The Yankees have agreed to a contract with free-agent infielder Neil Walker, reports Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter). Walker, a client of Excel Sports Management, will earn a base salary of $4MM, tweets MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.
Walker can also boost his earnings a bit through bonuses, per Jack Curry of the YES Network (via Twitter) and Hoch (via Twitter). He can take home up to $500K via plate appearance incentives, with $125K apiece upon reaching each of 425, 450, 475 and 500 plate appearances.
The agreement will bring to a close a lengthy trip through the free-agent process for the 32-year-old Walker, who struggled to find a landing spot this offseason despite a history of above-average offense and the ability to handle multiple positions around the infield. The infielder himself told Billy Witz of the New York Times recently that he thought he’d been close to an agreement with the Yankees before the team pivoted and acquired Brandon Drury from the D-backs.
Now, it seems that the Yankees will have veteran options to fill in at both third base and second base as they round out their infield before Opening Day. The addition of Walker likely means that both Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar will begin the 2018 season in the minors, with Drury lined up at the hot corner and Walker at second base. That said, Walker’s ability to bounce between first base and third base as well, if necessary, could allow him to move to a utility role later in the year if Torres emerges and pushes him for the starting second base job.
Walker is fresh off a solid .265/.362/.439 slash line with 14 homers in 448 plate appearances between the Mets and Brewers last season. A partially torn hamstring sidelined him for several weeks last summer, but he showed little in the way of ill effect late in the year, hitting at a .267/.403/.433 clip after an August trade to Milwaukee. Injuries have to be at least something of a concern with Walker, to be sure; in addition to last year’s hamstring trouble, Walker underwent back surgery in 2016 — a procedure that led to him accepting a $17.2MM qualifying offer from the Mets.
Health-related red flags notwithstanding, Walker has hit between 12 and 23 homers per season with average or better walk rates and above-average contact skills each season dating back to 2010, when he first established himself as a regular in Pittsburgh. By measure of OPS+ and wRC+, he’s been 14 to 15 percent better than the league-average hitter in that time. He’ll add to an already-imposing Yankees lineup and deepen an already-envious collection of quality infield options for GM Brian Cashman and first-year manager Aaron Boone.
The presence of Walker on the 25-man roster could also push utility infield option Tyler Wade to Triple-A early in the year, though fellow utilityman Ronald Torreyes also has options remaining. That group, paired with Drury, Torres and Andujar should leave the Yankees extremely well-positioned to deal with any injuries or unforeseen circumstances that may arise over the course of the season, and the added depth could theoretically go a long way toward keeping Walker healthy as well by affording him ample rest opportunities.
With a fairly modest overall commitment, the Yankees should still have roughly $10MM to work with as they seek midseason upgrades in advance of the nonwaiver trade deadline. Maintaining that type of flexibility has long been reported to be a critical factor for the Yankees in any free agent negotiations. That Walker’s price point fell to the range of several other solid veterans who have signed in this range in recent weeks allowed the Yankees to come away from the offseason with both of the infielders in which they held interest when previously negotiating with Walker’s camp and with the D-backs on the Drury swap.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
And put him where
2B. Gleyber is coming off major surgery
and he hasn’t exactly looked that great in spring training
plus, keeping Torres down till the middle of the season will give the Yankees an extra year of control on him.
Middle of the season is for super 2… Extra year is like 16 days.
2B i would imagine. Torres has not looked good this spring and it makes sense for the Yanks to start him in the minors and bring him up in the summer so they gain an extra year of control.
2nd Base, Drury will likely cover 3B and the Yankees now have some solid experience in their infield without having to rely heavily on rookies.
Love or hate Cashman and the Yankees, you have to give them credit for being patient and letting the deals come to them. I think they kind of quietly (for the Yankees) stole the offseason.
But unless Andujar is a complete butcher in the field why send him down again when he’s having a pretty decent Spring, lack of OBP not withstanding? I think it sends a bad message to the kids,
Because he only had around 240 PA’s in AAA. He may be ready now, but there’s a good chance he’ll need to go through some adjustment periods, and more seasoning could help him smooth out the transition process. This also takes off the pressure of having to be “the guy” right from the start.
Because murdering single-A pitching, as Andujar has this spring, doesn’t really prove anything. He’ll eventually get his shot, or be turned into pitching via trade.
Ok. So what? He excelled in those 240 ABs. Is there really any place better for him to learn than playing along side Judge, Sanchez and Stanton at this point? I’m no expert so I’ll respect the opinions of those “in the know” but I think he can learn to take a pitch watching Judge and Stanton rather than playing against AAA pitchers. I mean in Judge (19%) Stanton (12%) and Bird (11%) you have power hitters who have above average walk rate.
240 is a relatively small sample size and he didn’t destroy AA (good, but not great). He looks promising, and I agree that he could learn from guys like Judge and Stanton–and he will at some point. But Cashman probably believes there’s little room for trial and error, and this move doesn’t block Andujar or Torres. It buys time.
He’s hammering the same pitching everyone else is. And if the pitching he’s facing is of such a low level then why are Mike Trout and Joey Votto struggling? By no means should anyone be worried about either of those two all-stars but the point is, you can’t say the ST pitching is nothing.
Because guts work on things during the spring. a lot of establushef guys pay no attention to their average.
If he stays up and flops. you are risking far more than you are by keeping him down.
The message it sends it less than 300 at bats in rhe minors is not a punched ticket and should nt be
If someone can learn to play baseball by watching, why not just watch a bunch of tape and kill MLB pitching… is that not how it works? /s
Ok. Explain to me how he is going to learn to hit mlb pitching if he’s relegated to AAA pitching? I’ll wait…..
Also, you simply can not ignore the HUGE difference between training, observing and asking questions from those that started off where you did and are now excelling at the live you aspire to succeed at. What is he going to learn from any of his younger teammates at this point.
If Andujar is part of the Yanks future you really don’t think being on the same team with Severino, Montgomery, Judge, Sanchez, Bird and other Yanks he played with in the minors would be a huge advantage to his development. We can carry his bat and Torres’ too once he starts to hit at AAA.
I guess it’s a good problem to have but I just hope Andujar takes it as a motivational experience rather than feeling like he’s unwanted.
Southbeach, I’m not suggesting what he’s doing this spring is nothing, though process is far more important than results in spring and he hasn’t laid off of much. Whether that’s telling of anything or not, I don’t know, but it’s worth taking note of.
What I am saying is that Walker and Drury have both experience and success. It can’t hurt to get Andujar and Torres more seasoning, even if they might be ready now.
Cashman clearly didn’t want to take chance and I don’t really see what the problem is. Having Andujar and Torres for depth is hardly a bad thing.
His hitting isn’t what’s sending him down. It’s his defense. They want him to work out the kinks somewhere that doesn’t really matter. And that’s totally fine. If he forces the issue, Walker and Drury won’t stop him. Same with Torres.
He would learn to hit MLB-caliber pitching at AAA the same way any person develops mastery to a skill. Practice until complete mastery of vital higher skills in a much more structured and safe environment.
By being able to practice whatever he still needs REFINEMENT of, he becomes more able to hold his own when fully exposed to the much higher competition.
The path to ultimate skill master is much the same in all skills — whether the environment is competitive or non-competitive. If you ask the vast majority of successful competitors; from poker players to athletes to childhood spelling bee champions, they will say much the same. If you know what you need to work on in order to leap a plateau, you drop your competition down a level so that you can focus almost exclusively on that one weak skill until it’s mastered. Then you put everything together still against the lower competition. Then you bring it up to the next level of competition.
After all, would you be able to compete in the Olympic Marathon if you can barely run 1 mile in 15 minutes? Barely able to complete the Color Run? Run a marathon distance but non-competitively? If you compete but aren’t yet good enough to go to the Olympic trials?
If you can’t hit a slider on the black, you first want to be able to hit one that’s in the middle of the plate. Then one that’s on the outer third. And since a AAA/A pitcher is much more likely to not be able to get it on the black regularly, they’re better for mastering against.
The Yankees are loaded
did you read the article?
Readin is for rich people
The disabled list. I don’t think his body will hold up and that this will not be a significant signing. Remember the excellent piece on this website about how undervalued Walker is and how he should have more suitors. If you don’t I suggest you read it. It was so good that you are in shock it actually came from this website. The article makes many excellent points. After reading the article I was left thinking what “do the executives know, that writers don’t”. The answer is the executives have access to his medical records. The only explanation for his slow market are medical concerns. I think he gets injured early and has no impact on Andujar or Torres.
Do you realize that they paid him for less than half of one WAR? And that he produces and above average rate of WAR when playing? To be worth this contract, he needs only about 20% of a season (the escalators will correspond to even higher value due to the level of PA needed) at his lifetime average rate of production. That 20% of the year can keep Gleyber down to manipulate service time, and if he’s performing well in the middle of May, you keep him there. The Yankees just replaced one of their few holes with a potential above-average player for $4M- kind of difficult to see the downside on this one.
There are other factors, as well. 2B has become a very, very deep position lately. This is evidenced with the number of MLB players moving off of it to other slots. Walker’s lack of a market can also be explained, in large part, by that. Add in other universal factors such as teams avoiding older players now (Walker is 32) and every other position in FA this year being slow, as well.
I’d bet that his injury history was definitely a factor, but I doubt it was even the biggest one.
What???
Why???
Where??
Who??
Who
When?
When? How?
I Don’t Know… third base!
How??
Who’s on first. What’s on second? Neil Walker..
Good guy to have around.
LOL Enjoy your veteran at the keystone LOL
lol I am sure they will lol
Yea that comment made no sense. Walker is the perfect fit for the yanks right now, especially with the DH spot if needed to keep healthy and the young kids in the wings if walker gets hurt or experiences a decline.
They just solved the Opening Day 2nd Base question.
Would appear it’s his … and his to keep or lose.
Best of Luck, Neil !!!
Don’t know, would he be a regular or a utility guy off bench?
I’d say likely a regular.
Regular “for now”, but he has the flexibility to be a UT guy if he’s not up to snuff or a kid explodes on the scene.
Cashman stays winning
Pointless. They have 4 infielders fighting for 2nd and 3rd.
The young bucks aren’t forcing their hands so they’re going to keep Gleybers clock down while adding a super solid vet for a price they want.
I would disagree with you as it pertains to Andujar and Wade.
Andujar @ .281/.294/.781 with 2 dbs, 1 trip and 4 hrs.
Wade @ .292/.357/.333. True, he’s not hitting with power but still looks promising.
Yes, both guys can make improvements but it’s improvements against mlb pitching they need to experience. It appears like they are giving the 2B and 3B jobs to Drury and now Walker. I’d rather go with the kids and deal with the rough patches.
I was looking forward to seeing lots of Andujar and Wade myself (and I’m not even a Yankees’ fan!). But I understand trusting experience. Boston will put up a considerable challenge these veterans, though Drury’s a young veteran, probably gives them an edge.
If those are spring training numbers than that’s nothing to be excited about. Pitchers don’t try to get anyone out in spring, they try to hit their spots. There is no scouting done in spring.
So your disagreements are wrong
Go look at urias numbers
I get excited seeing them and then I realize it doesn’t mean anything
Then ST means nothing……but it does. If you are performing well and competing for a job it’s supposed to matter. That’s why teams set up these “competitions” for positions.
I’m not saying EITHER did anything to grant them easy passage to the HOF. What I am saying is that, for what they are asked to do, both have shown reasons for strong consideration. Bring in Walker says “don’t worry about it…we’re going with the vet”.
Why are you quoting spring training numbers? They don’t mean a thing.
Then why do we track them? How else are we to evaluate a hitter competing for a starting position? They do matter just not for proven mlb players who might be struggling. Votto has a sub .500 OPS. His position is solid. Andujar and Drury were in a competition for 3b. Andujar’s numbers and his glove work matter.
for people like you, who have no clue
You gotta look deeper into the numbers. Andujar hit all four of his homers over a week ago….against ‘lesser’ pitching. The kids simply aren’t ready. If you’ve actually seen them play, you can tell there’s a little something missing. Walker brings a tremendous amount of experience at a great price. Why risk your shot at a World Series to have a look at kids? They’ll be up soon enough, no doubt.
Because if we make it or don’t make it to the WS it won’t be because of having or not having Neil Walker. I think it makes perfect sense to see what we have in Andujar prior to next years FA period and deciding on Machado.
I’ll politely disagree there. Having two experienced, productive veterans at two key infield positions can absolutely make a difference. This is already a relatively young team and a young lineup. Drury himself is still young. These things have a way of working themselves out. If Andujar and/or Torres mash in the minors, they’ll force the Yankees’ hand at some point. Walker is just a one year, potentially half-season, stop gap to the future. Drury’s flexibility allows him to be useful in whatever capacity they need.
Southbeach, you evaluate a hitter by everything collectively. The quality of contact, the plate discipline, and types of pitches he’s making solid contact with. Remember Montero?
I don’t think anyone here is criticizing Andujar. They certainly shouldn’t be. I think many baseball fans simply prefer to go with experience, rather than bank on rookies in a full-time role. Can you really blame them for that, when Cashman apparently feels the same?
Two homers on two pitches by Phillies starter Nick Pivetta. Not exactly AA pitching or anything.
I’m not sure if Ronald Torreyes has options, but if he does not, he’s likely a goner.
Tyler Wade too.
Wade probably makes the bench. (Maybe Torreyes over Wade but I think Wade is better)
Let’s assume Bird,Walker,Didi,Drury, Gardy, Hicks, Judge, Stanton, Sanchez
12 pitchers
That leaves 4 spots two are Romine and Ellsbury. One is a backup 1B which I believe will be Lind. It’s either Wade or Torreyes.
I think both kids will be up for good before the year is over if they do what I expect in AAA. Drury slides into the utility role when Andujar is up. Torres bumps Walker to the Wade/Torreyes spot.
VERY VERY deep roster. I’m a little surprised. I’m a little disappointed. I want to see the two kids.
Wade can play the outfield in a pinch and has elite speed. Also a LHH. I would think that Wade has the advantage.
With Walker, they don’t technically need Lind to back up third.
Didi, Drury, Walker, and Bird will start for them. The question is who gets the last two infield bench spots. Seems likely to be Tyler Austin and Torreyes, and let Tyler Wade, Miguel Andújar, and Glauber Torres get everyday at-bats at triple-A
Why do we think the Yanks have two infield bench spots? 9 regulars, 5 starters and 8 bullpen pitchers = 3 bench slots. One of those is a backup catcher and one of those is Ellsbury. Leaves a spot for one infield bench spot, and that’s without Hicks.
Some folks are thinking 7 bullpen pitchers. Chap, Dellin, Robby, Kahnle, Greem Warren, Lefty
Because 8 relievers is kind of overkill? I think that’s pointless. Most teams have 12 pitchers.
7 bullpen pitchers
5 starters
9 man lineup
4 man bench
That’s 25 players.
Maybe 5 years ago they did, but 8 man bullpens are becoming the norm.
First off, Hicks is the starting CF. My guess is that Ellsbury might start on the DL and thus his spot becomes open.
They still have Brett Gardner, right?
Even that 4-man bench has to account for Ellsbury and Hicks, along with a backup catcher, right? SO just one backup infielder?
Boone has already said that the 25th man could likely rotate between a bench spot and an extra reliever depending on beef throughout the season. I doubt they need 8 relievers to start the season as everyone is fresh and ready to go. Also ellsbury may start the year on the dL which would allow them to carry another utility guy or pitcher for a bit.
Depending on need*
Only 1 of Ellsbury/Hicks would have to be on the bench
Assuming all of the Yankees OFers are healthy (except Frazier of course), 3 in the OF (presumably for most games, Gardner/Hicks/Judge), and Stanton at DH. That leaves Ellsbury on the bench, as well as Romine and probably Tyler Austin and either Torreyes or Wade. Possibly Adam Lind instead of Austin but I don’t think it makes sense to have Lind there with Bird on the team.
Beef was better.
I actually liked beef there as well
Lind was really good last year; seems odd they’d have brought him onboard to just cut him. And isn’t the best outfield alignment Judge, Stanton and Gardner? I understand rotating Judge and Stanton through the DH slot at times but those guys are both good outfielders
No the outfield alignment is Gardner-Hicks-Judge. Hicks won the starting CF job for a reason.
At least two teams (the Phillies and Angels) are going to carry 9 relievers this year, and almost every team is now carrying 8. Maybe the Yanks buck the trend, but they are also moving their best bullpen arm into the rotation this season so I assume they’ll be trying to cover for that loss.
No bullpen arms are moving to the rotation. The rotation is staying Severino, Tanaka, Gray, Sabathia, Montgomery.
I thought the Yanks were stretching out Green for the rotation…is that experiment over?
Could stay on as a backup like he has been, no? This likely means Torres is for sure heading to the minors for a while. I assume the same for Andujar. That would put Drury at 3B and Walker at 2B. That leaves him just battling it out with Wade for the bench spot. Possible he could still win it.
It’s a waste to have Wade relegated to a utility role where he only gets 5 or 6 AB a week. Would rather have him in AAA playing everyday. If he has another great year his trade value goes up and he can be an ancillary piece in a trade.
He’s only had an option burned once (2015), so he should still have a couple remaining.
Twelve pitchers, five outfielders and two catchers leaves spots for six infielders. You could keep Torryes AND Wade because both Walker and Drury can play first. Wade’s ability to play multiple positions, his lefty bat and speed make him more valuable than Torryes but Torryes might be a better option than Austin or Lind, who can only play one position.
I don’t care if he signed for a dollar, what is the point? IMO, the culture and moral of the team is at a high note and one of the reasons is because we have talented young players who’ve comes from the system. They’ve seen Bird come up and have success. Then followed Sanchez, then Judge, Severino and Montgomery. It seems that Andujar is banging loudly at the door. It would be disheartening if he’s sent down and loses his job to Drury or Walker simply because they’re veterans. Furthermore, assuming Torres starts in AAA, what’s the realistic hopes that either he or Andujar will make it back up this year?
Why are we adding more bodies into the equation? Torres, Torreyes, Andujar, Wade, Drury, Walker and down the road Estrada, all “competing” for 2B, SS and utility role. What are you doing Cashman? Let the kids earn the job. We have enough offense to carry one or two rookies.
^^ agreed. Let the youth play. They can work out their kinks in an environment that will allow it.
yeah, the minors
“We have enough offense to carry one or two rookies.”
——EXACTLY.——
.
There is no point to rush the 2 young guns when Cashman can take advantage of the slow free agency Market this year. Andujar is showing extreme progress but he is not exactly forcing there hand right now. Plus they get more service time if they start this year in the minors. They will definitely see extended playing time this year. And I’m sorry but I don’t want to depend on wade for an infield position. Also I don’t think anyone is in a position to question any of Cashmans moves Atm.
You’re certainly right about not questioning Cashman’s moves. I’m sure he’s got a good reason. Good point.
I don’t think the extra time means anything for Andujar like it does to Torres.
I was only referring to Torres with the service time. I wouldn’t be surprised if Andujar nabs one of bench roles to start the season
You should have stopped after “I dont think”..
I’ve never heard it mentioned that delaying Andujar by a month would result in an additional year like in the case of Torres. I didn’t know if that meant anything or not.
However, I love how you jump to such witty and biting retorts when faced with obvious ignorance and inability to add anything to the discussion. Keep it up and you’ll be a “wrigleyNeverwas”.
This allows Cash to send these guys to AAA and save a year of control.
As a Mariners’ fan, I would love to see Seattle acquire Wade (and trade to retain the rights to Ford). With Cano already having issues with his hamstring again, they could stand to get deeper in their middle infield. The fact that Wade can handle the outfield makes him that much more attractive.
Depth. Players do get hurt. Its not a video game where you can turn injuries off. Its not like the Yankees are strapped for cash so if Walker plays bad, they can cut him. If he plays well, maybe another team trades for him to solve their depth issues. If the rookies were to struggle, the only other options would be more rookies or signing guys mid-season (which would likely take another week or two for them to get in game-shape plus another couple of weeks to see some pitches). If one of the Yankees’ established guys get hurt, or struggle, than the team no longer has the offense to carry struggling rookies.
Drury is 25. He’s not a vet blocking a kid he’s a kid that’s proven he can play in the majors.
This is so backwards, even though I myself am somewhat disappointed we don’t get to watch the youth play out. A good Neil Walker and a good Brandon Drury is good for the Yankees, plain and simple. If one or both struggle and Gleyber/Andujar rake in AAA, they’ll be right up in a heartbeat. Walker is a one year stopgap, and maybe not even that. Like cash said, it just made too much sense to pick up a cheap, productive infielder on a one year deal when the other options are unproven rookies. If he sucks, he’ll be replaced with the kids. Simple stuff. There is really almost nothing to lose here. I don’t buy the culture “morals” argument one bit. Both kids have hardly been exposed to even AAA pitching. This move makes the team better, period.
Why sign Walker?
Just when I thought this club was finally looking to its (very talented) youth, they bring in a completely unnecessary piece.. That’s not a knock on Walker, but I thought Drury was the MLB-caliber infielder to serve as the 2B/3B safety net. I realize Torres may not be quite ready, but Andujar has a major league bat and has looked better playing 3B. Having Walker on the roster pushes Andujar back, while Drury covers 3B full-time and Torreyes is backup at both spots.
The Yankees always seem to value a non-Yankee more than their own people.
Agree. Maybe Wade is hurt more than they said (wrist on the dive the other day). He was likely the starter going into opening day.
Many are suggesting that, although Saturday Wade tweeted that he’d play in tonight’s game. We’ll see I guess. Hopefully during the televised game tonight somebody at YES will have the cajones to ask Cashman about his thinking on this deal.
No, they value have an extra year of control. Why rush them and lose that extra year of control
They only need to keep Torres down 14 days for an extra year. Thats not the reason they got Walker for they have Drury, Wade, and Torreyes that can play those spots.
It’s not like Walker is going to be their long term solution at second. They still feel Andujar, and Torreys are their long term answers at 2B, and 3B.
GOod pickup but how much $$$ tho????i prefer the youngsters to ste up but u cant always count on it. Cashman says prove it this year and we would make trades to give u a spot
YAAAAS YANKEES 2018 WORLD CHAMPS. THE ASTROS ARE WORLD CHUMPS
I hope you’re either drunk or a teenager, but not both.
You won’t even beat Boston never mind the Astros.
Walker and Drury will likely be the opening day 2B and 3B. Both can play multiple positions in the infield. Torres and Andujar will both get chances I’m sure.
Another nice veteran with good clubhouse presence. Switch hitter and good d. Cash does it again
This is a dumb move and jams the roster. Wade should be starting at 2nd base based on his spring, he’s earned it. And Andujar should be starting at 3rd. Gleyber I figured would start in the minors due to his spring and the fact he needs to spend less that 20 days in the minors to gain an extra year of team control.
Nevertheless this is a pointless move. So Drury will most likely start at 3B and Walker at 2B just cause? And what happens when Torres is ready, bring him up to start at second (or third) I guess is an option now. So the Yankees have Wade, Torreyes, Drury, Walker, Torres, Andujar for 2 spots. Someone’s getting cut
I didn’t even mention that walker jams the 1B backup role now too between Lind and Austin. Oy vey
I didn’t even think about Lind. We do need to have someone who can play 1b too in case Bird goes down. Maybe this means Walker makes it and they let Lind go elsewhere? Lind is more limited in where he can play and bats lefty, the same as Bird. Walker being a switch hitter who can play multiple positions probably means the end to Lind as a Yankee.
Completely disagree about Wade. The bat just simply isn’t there. He managed to put up a -0.5 WAR despite just having 58 PAs in 2017, and now in spring training he’s put up a .690 OPS, which is the production you’d expect from a backup. Injuries aside, Walker is going to provide much more value than Wade would in a starting role in 2018. I could definitely see the argument about Andujar over Drury, though
You’re really judging him over 58 sporadic plate appearances? Really?
He also has a career .700 OPS in the minors, which is, again, not great. His scouting reports have never been high about his hitting skills either. There just doesn’t seem to be much upside here
says the guy throwing a fit about a guy with slightly more than 200 minor at bats
Wade reminds me of a younger Gardner or Ellsbury. Those kind of hitters tend to better as they play against better pitchers who are more around the strike zone. Like both, I can see Wade adding a bit of power as he matures. Look at Gardner’s development from the minors on up.
And Aaron Judge had -0.4 WAR in 2016, what’s your point?
I already addressed this response. That is just one of a few indicators as to why people shouldn’t expect Wade to be much of an offensive threat. Plus, your analogy is way too simplistic – Aaron Judge was a highly regarded top prospect who many (correctly) believed would play at an all-star level at the plate. The same cannot be said of Wade, which makes comparing the two a poor analogy
I’m skeptical, but as a fan, I hope you’re right!
xabial is that you?
Please “jam the roster” with solidly above average players on cheap, short-term contracts.
Yes jam the roster. Its like 8 guys for 3 spots (Backup 1B included). What’s your definition of a jam?
Counting on Wade starting but looks like he may be the backup and Torreyes will be put in waivers/ traded. Austin and Lind are probably goners too.
They’re not getting rid of Torreyes, Wade can get regular at bats at AAA.
Torreyes has options. why on Earth would they trade him?
stupid lack of coffee…my bad, I thought you were referring to Gleybar. carry on…
Because he will have no greater value than right now. I doubt Torreyes can duplicate the season he had last year. Wade is a better glove and faster and he bats left.
This looks like the Chris Carter deal from last year. If he does well, great, if not and the younger guys are doing well, they release him. I don’t see the downside to having additional options. They are playing against inferior competition in sprint training so its hard to really gauge how well they will do. Plus their may be other areas they want some of the younger guys to work on (fielding, baserunning, etc.) and is better to let them get more playing time in the minors before brining them up.
I would have kept my powder dry and held that money back for moves at the trade deadline. Injuries are inevitable and the Yanks might not have much room to maneuver if disaster strikes. Although this move may indicate some concern or lack of confidence in unnamed players on the roster.
I thought the same thing. One injury to pitching and that would be an issue. They have plenty of dept in the OF and now Dept in the IF. Think it was more of insurance. We still don’t know the money amount. It’s a good signing and I’m not a Yank fan. But I do agree if a catcher or pitcher go down there might be a problem. Short of that think the Yanks did fine. Plus it keeps 1 more control year on GT and gives both more time to grow as far as those prospects. So I think it was a good insurance move. Just my opinion. No need to troll folks just business. I admire how the Yanks are preparing for the season. This from a Cubs fan. No need to troll or act stupid like some. Give credit where credit is due. Was a good cheap insurance move.
They still have some room under the cap.
Doesn’t this move create exactly the kind of “room to maneuver” you’d like to see? The team has 6-8 quality OF options, and now has 7-9 quality IF options. They didn’t love Torreyes, Andujar, Wade or Torres. They just layered on top of them on the depth chart.
It absolutely does. I understand fans looking forward to seeing promising rookies, but this thickens their depth and takes the pressure off.
I believe they had about $22 million to spend .Now down to about $17 mil which is still a good amount to have at the deadline.
Wtf are the Yankees thinking
It’s a smart deal. If either of their prime prospects turn out to be good major leaguers, the salary the Yankees are spending on Walker will be more than paid back by the service time considerations. And they can flip Walker later if they want to. And they still have room under the cap.
Still won’t get out of he ALCS.
The*
So neil walker gets 5 mil and will play in the world series and moose gets 6.5 mil and plays in the basement of the al central….lol omg…moose probably would have gotten a better deal if he represented himself.
If teams are paying for OBP you could even say Moose is overpaid relative to Walker.
if teams are paying for…fill in the blank…you could say…fill in the blank.
You assume that Neil will stay healthy all year and into the post season. Based on the the last couple of seasons it will be when during the season he goes for an extended trip to the DL and not If…… If it is towards the end of the season like his first season with the Mets, he may well miss the post season
except, he’s right
You assume he will get hurt, i think he wont because he will be a platoon player…should we do every player in the league mr. Genuis? Every player has a chance to get hurt FF.
Except, you might be the only idiot that thinks total value of neil walker (currently a platoon 2b) is greater than the total value of moose. There is this thing called WAR…someone named trout is usually at the top of the list…hey if youre “into” baseball you should look it up. There are more “excepts”…lmk if you want ne to keep going?
Wasn’t aware the Astros, Indians and Red Sox were tanking.
MB with the zinger!! pow-zip! good one hope you get upvoted for that cleverness. And he has the NY logo as his handle omg. you just had to write something…something…even if it goes againist your fandom!! lol this is rich
Except, the player sets the asking price. Lots of guys, with different agents got lower than expected deals.
Except, your iq is too low to continue any form of intelligent baseball conversation.
Bosox could’ve gotten Walker instead of Nunez. Walker is better than Nunez in every category except for speed. Yanks got a cheaper contract and one year less obligation.
Um defense and positions played??
Great move. Cheap price for an above average bat. He was probably the top FA 2B and the Yankees got him for nothing. If he sucks, it’s only a one year deal so he’ll be released. If Torres or Andujar is crushing AAA, he’s a good trade asset. Plus more control over our 2 young players, which will be vital in the future, and less pressure on them to perform immediately. Plus still a little room left for offseason moves. Ninja. Cash.
In season moves*
Solid utility signing. Walker is above average at the plate (as a second baseman) and an average fielder who can play 3b and 2b. He is a good enough bat off the bench, but more importantly he can fill in the positions that will have rookies. You keep at least one of them down for a year of extra control and then you have a veteran bat available…whether it be for spot starts, to fill in for an injury, or if a guy isn’t performing. Great signing by the Yanks….unfortunately.
As a Yankees fan I do want to see the kids play, but a 1 year deal for Walker isn’t going to hurt anyone. I like the move. The Yankees are trying to win a World Series this year. They have the talent to do it. Their 2 weaknesses were 2B and 3B. There was no way they were going to go with 2 rookies for a full season. Walker is on a 1 year deal. Signing him gives the Yanks a high OBP proven defender that can play 3 infield positions if need be. If the kids are forcing the issue later in the season Walker is expendable. Plus, Walker has had injury issues lately, so chances are one of the kids is going to get a shot at some point anyway.
The MLB season is a long one. Counting on a rookie (or rookies) from start to finish is a big ask imo. They wear down and hit a wall eventually. This way the kids get to start off with less pressure in the minors, playing everyday. When the time comes, it’s much easier to call up a kid for 60-100 games and have him produce to the finish. I like what they’ve done. Now all they need is another starter to protect against injury and potential regression from their current crop.
Really love this move by the Yankees and they now have quite a bit of infield depth. Factor in that Drury and Walker could play some other spots if needed, they are really looking good right now.
I’m frustrated that the Yankees got a steal. All the complaints about not letting the prospects play is a bit silly. 5M for an above average multi-positional infielder is great move in any market.
If he doesn’t workout, they can DFA him mid year or if someone gets hurts, this gives the team amazing depth.
Also, hate to scare the prospect lovers, but this gives Cashman flexibility to trade the youngsters at the deadline if they need a pitcher.
I’m surprised so many fans are upset by this deal. It further solidifies their hold on the division.
The only reason the fans are upset is that the deal is only for a depth, utility guy and not a guy that is better than either what is on the roster or better than the prospects. Like you say, it is a decent depth move and he can either get DFA’d or moved mid year if either he does not work out or one of the prospects blossoms further and they push him out of the way.
Prospects are just prospects. They may both project well, but who knows what you get when they finally have to play against MLB talent. Walker is a known commodity and when he gets hurt we will see the young guys get a shot. If they perform well then walker gets traded or released. Its a no risk deal IMO
Most Yankee fans are obsessed with some of the prospects the yankees have. A lot of fans are in love with clint frazier, personally i would rather cashman try to trade him for a controllable starting pitcher at the deadline if possible. In regards to walker, rather have him start the season at second rather than torres so they can get another year of control. Walker at that price seems like a no brainer.
I don’t think it’s about falling in love with a prospect. The Yanks have traded about 10-15 prospects in the last two years. To me, it’s about seeing a guy like Andujar who has worked his way on to several prospect lists, has shown nothing but the ability to mash in his very, very brief mlb experience and looks like he simply deserves a shot to win a job. That sends a message throughout the system and can give the other prospects hope. I’m not trying to be all wishy washy. I would rather invest PA into Andujar vs Walker because Andujar, if given a chance, might be good enough that the Yanks might not be interested in Machado and his lofty asking price. Clearly, I’m not alluding that he would be better than Machado. However, if he can show signs of being a solid .280/.340 guy with 25 + hrs then maybe the Yanks won’t feel pressed to sign him to a ridiculous contract.
The Yankees aren’t going to get rid of Didi to make room for Machado. He wants to play SS he can go elsewhere.
Need a 40 man roster spot. Who’s gone, Cave ?
I’d say Shreve. He’s out of options and doesn’t get lefties out any better than the bullpen righites already do. Ninja Cashman can probably move him for someone younger that doesn’t require a 40 man spot.
Only problem is that Shreve is their only LH relief pitcher besides Chapman. Though of course it’s a good thing they got other relievers who can get LHP out.
Yes he’s their only lefty, but he doesn’t dominate lefties. Kahnle, Robertson, Green, and Betances when he’s right are all better at getting out lefties than Shreve. Plus he’s out of options, meaning he cannot be sent down. You want that last bullpen spot to be flexible between NY and Scranton. And as a lefty with some decent stuff Cash can get something for him.
I doubt it will be Shreve, he’s probably making the opening day roster. If they do get rid of him it will be mid season.
My guess is Jonathan Loaisiga
I’d venture Gallegos.
Gallegos and Cessa both still have options. It’s very valuable to have the two of them on the Scranton shuffle.
I’d dump them both and Adams to the 40-man. He and German can do the shuffle.
Cessa please!
Good guess
This year’s Chris Carter.
Good move for the Yankees. He should hit well in Yankee Stadium.
LOS YANKEES TENDRÁ UN SOLIDO EQUIPO OFENSIVO EN GENERAL!
El infield estará solido alternando a drury y walker en 3b y 2b , sanchez C gregorius ss y Bird en 1b. Torreyes en la banca .
Personalmente yo le daría chance a Andujar en 3b y Drury en 1B bajando por lo menos un mes o dos a Bird por lo mal que ha estado.
What he said!
Sigh, no real weaknesses in this lineup. If Drury and Walker are considered the soft part of your lineup, that’s a very good lineup. Great signing. Gives the kids more seasoning in the minors, pushes their clock back more and if injuries or poor performance hit with any of Drury, Walker or Gregorious, you have your top prospects getting everyday at bats and ready to come up.
Ample rest does not equate to an injury free season
Very surprising move by the Yankees.
Despite the loud noise, the Cubs are still going to come out well ahead in the Chapman trade. Torres is just a prospect and will never be a difference maker.
Hahahah
oh man
Remember that time when the Yankees traded Adam Warren and Brendan Ryan for Starlin Castro. And then the next year Traded Chapman for Adam Warren and 3 prospects (including Torres) and then just signed Chapman? Essentially, the Yankees gave the Cubs Brendan Ryan for Starlin Castro and Gleyber Torres and then used Starlin Castro to get Stanton.
lmao
The Yankees gave up literally nothing in that trade, seems like it was win-win. It’s not like by trading Chapman that year they gave up their chance for a WS.
Ok I think theres enough infielders now. Honestly, while getting Walker provides depth, the Yankees could have let Drury, Andujar, and Wade start and be just fine with how good the rest of their lineup is. I dont really understand the whole argument of Andujar shouldnt start because hes a rookie, or the “you cant have two rookies in the lineup!!!” argument. I would have had Andujar, Wade, Drury, and Torreyes as my MLB infielders to start the season while Gleyber gets seasoning. Now Andujar, Wade, and possibly Torreyes are all going to be sent down for Walker, Lind, and Drury. Not a knock to those players, but the only one who’ll be there long term is maybe Drury.
God forbid they trade Andujar and Wade for a pitcher they dont actually need (unless its a number 1 or 2 guy, their rotation is solid enough. Only reason youd get another pitcher is because CC is in his last years and wont be around forever) and then have to pay Manny Machado a blank check to move back to 3B.
Very smart move by Cashman. It gives the Yanks solid vets at second and third now who are inexpensive. Gives the team time to give Torres and Andujar more time in AAA where they can both use more experience. Also holds off both players for an extra year of service time. If they make it hard on the Yankees and force the issue to be brought up the Yankees then have veterans whom they may be able to flip for pitching or other needs. Judge is only a sophomore not a big veteran. Stanton while a vet he’s new to the team and will need sometime to adjust. It’s not always easy playing in NY.
Also this sets the Yankees up Incase they feel both youngsters would be better off for the year in AAA and basically costs nothing. Gleyber still needs to shake off the rust from not playing since mid-season, and while the injury was to his non throwing arm it can and will have some effect to his swing and hitting. Just muscle memory can be an issue.
As for Andujar it gives him time to play more third base at a higher level and show that he’s really improved by cutting down his errors. His bat is ahead of his glove work. That’s been the knock on him for awhile. Let him work on that without the pressure of the major team. Why take the chance on rushing him/them? Yes it would be nice but it’s an imperfect world we live in.
For those of you saying ST doesn’t matter, remember Yangervis Solarte?
Se me olvido Adam Lind!
Mi roster seria el siguiente:
C Sanchez
1B Lind
2B Drury/walker/Torreyes
SS Gregorius/Torreyes
3B Andujar/Drury/Torreyes
RF Judge/Stanton
CF Hicks/Gardner/Ellsbury
LF Gardner/stanton
DH Stanton/Hicks/Ellsbury
They’re are not gonna DH Hicks,if Gardner plays CF one day and then Ellsbury DH’s. Andujar-Torres will start at AAA and if not hurt Wade will make the team. Walker 2B and Drury 3B and WTF are you doing putting Lind at 1B?
Bird
He’s probably trolling
Yankee line-up 1 Gardy, 2. Judge, 3. Stanton, 4. Sanchez, 5. Bird, 6. Didi, 7. Hicks, 8. Walker, 9. Drury., not too shabby!
I’d rather have Andujar than Drury
Hype train jumped the tracks leaving the station again perhaps. No worries it’s been there many times before.
Please enlighten us to what you speak.
lineup!
1-gardner
2-Judge
3-Stanton
4-Sanchez
5-Gregorius
6-Andujar
7-Walker
8-Drury
9-Hicks
benching Bird?
Don’t take the bait he’s trolling.
Works against lefties but Bird has to play against righties. So you bench Drury, Walker or Andujar.
The second tier of this lineup does not impress me.
Well it’s a great thing you don’t matter.
NY Could have been a great place for Jonathan Schoop, but it doesn’t appear the Orioles are awake yet.
The Yankees can now just sign him in Free Agency instead, along with his brother Manuel Machado
In case anyone forgot, Matt Adams signed for the same amount.
If the kids faulted, Walker is a great insurance. If one of them succeeds, Walker becomes excellent trade bait at the deadline for at least a minor league relief pitcher. Win win.
The Yankees got him this late in the offseason for next to nothing because nobody wanted him. Now you think he’ll be excellent trade bait during the season? Logic doesn’t add up.
I was really hoping that he would have signed with the Rangers because, “Walker, Texas Ranger.”