Categories: NewsZ-Home Slider

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.”

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

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.

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

Joe Kozlowski

Recent Posts

Paul George Exits With Knee Injury As 76ers Fall To 2-12 In Loss To Grizzlies

With their big three finally back in action Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers suffered another setback…

11 hours ago

VIDEO: Nike Pays Tribute to Rafael Nadal With 30-Foot Projection In Front of Eiffel Tower

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tny--EWynOQ Nike paid tribute to Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal with a 10-meter-tall animated display…

1 day ago

VIDEO: Rafael Nadal Gets Emotional Tribute as He Retires From Tennis

https://youtu.be/dtJoJz9hC48 Tennis legend Rafael Nadal bid a heartfelt goodbye to his devoted Spanish fans as he brought…

1 day ago

VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Olympic Fencer Eli Dershwitz Explains The Art Of Fencing

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DQ9Rxhnuer4 U.S. Olympic fencer Eli Dershwitz shed light on the critical skills necessary in fencing…

2 days ago

Two Bears Offensive Linemen Return To Practice, Caleb Williams Desperate For Blocking

Two offensive linemen for the Chicago Bears returned to practice, a massive step in the…

3 days ago

VIDEO: UFC Heavyweight Champion Performs Viral Trump Dance In New York

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s2g9t_33Myw President-elect Donald Trump received a warm welcome from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Jon…

4 days ago