New York Yankees make a smart move in acquiring Neil Walker

The New York Yankees are putting the final touches on a one-year deal for second baseman Neil Walker. Is this a smart move for the Bronx Bombers?

The New York Yankees are adding another piece to their 2018 puzzle, acquiring veteran second baseman Neil Walker — pending a physical. According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, the Yankees are closing in on a one-year deal, adding a bit more depth to a thin (second base) position.

MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports that the deal is worth a meager $5 million, a bargain for the Yankees.

Prospects Miguel Andujar and Gleyber Torres were the frontrunners to start at second, with it’s apparent the organization thinks the duo needs more time in the minor leagues, refining their craft.

Torres took a diplomatic approach, but no doubt he’s feeling a bit hurt by the news.

“I control playing my game every day and making progress every day, staying humble and trying to help my team. I don’t know what happens right now if he signs.”

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Walker’s numbers won’t fly off the stat sheets like a Giancarlo Stanton or Aaron Judge, but he’s as steady as they come. Last season, in 111 games with both the New York Mets and the Milwaukee Brewers, Walker slashed .265/.362/.439 with 14 home runs, 49 RBIs, and 59 runs scored.

He struggled with a back injury which limited his playing time a bit, but if the Yankees can get 130-140 games out of Walker and keep him healthy come the MLB postseason, they’ll be sitting pretty in the NL East standings.

Now you’re asking, what about finding an answer for the vacant hot-corner? Even though the Yankees are also looking for a formidable third base option, it doesn’t matter — with this tweet saying it all.

Back to Walker, who’s switch-hitting capabilities add a potent weapon to the bottom of the Yankees lineup. He’s not flashy with the glove, but his life .984 fielding percentage is impressive. Also, a player with postseason experience and a positive clubhouse presence will allow Walker to fit in, within the Yankees’ clubhouse.

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Once again, the New York Yankees are making all the right moves, playing a game of chess (not checkers) with the Red Sox. Even though it’s not check-mate quite yet, the Yankees hold the upper hand.