Mets Miss Out On Ben Zobrist, Trade For Neil Walker

All it took to turn the New York Mets into a World Series contender was one big trade. Their deal on Wednesday might not be as big as landing Yoenis Cespedes, but the Metropolitans hope  it has even half the impact.

The Mets, along with several other teams, were targeting Ben Zobrist in free agency. While his switch-hitting and ability to play several positions would have made him a good fit in Queens, Zobrist chose to sign with the Chicago Cubs and reunite with his former manager Joe Maddon.

That left the Mets looking for an alternative, which they found in Pittsburgh’s Neil Walker. By sending pitcher Jon Neise to the Pirates, New York acquired the switch-hitting second baseman.

“It’s an exciting opportunity, obviously, with the success the Mets have had this past year,” Walker said. “I’m really excited about the opportunity. Obviously there’s mixed emotions being a born and bred Pittsburgher, and obviously not knowing yet the other organization. It’s definitely been a whirlwind day and something my wife Niki, who also is from the same area that I’m from in Pittsburgh, and I are dealing with — all the emotions that are coming with what’s going on with new lives that we’re about to embark on.”

The move also seals the fate of free agent second baseman Daniel Murphy, who may have returned to the Mets. His strong postseason inflated his asking price, however, and the team’s feelings were mixed about resigning him.

The Mets also added free agent infielder infielder Asdrubal Cabrera on a two-year deal worth $18.5 million according to ESPN.

It’s official! We’ve acquired 2B @NeilWalker18 from Pittsburgh for LHP Jon Niese. #Mets pic.twitter.com/FaSbH5cblj

— New York Mets (@Mets) December 9, 2015

Photo: Neil Walker warms up at second base for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Photo by Blackngold29 via Wikimedia Commons.