Mar 14, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; New York Mets second baseman Neil Walker (20) bats during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
With Monday’s deadline for acceptance of qualifying offers looming, the Mets made sure to meet with 2nd basemen Neil Walker’s agent one more time. Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson gave little detail about the meeting, however, only saying that nothing was asked or offered by either side.
The Mets extended their qualifying offer to Walker earlier this week, and he has until Monday November 14th to accept the offer. If he denies the $17.2 million one year deal, he will enter the open free agent market.
The team truly believes that Walker has interest in accepting the offer, and hope he will do so. However, in early September, Walker said that he looked forward to exploring other options this offseason.
Walker hit .282 with 23 home runs and 55 RBI’s in 113 games with the Mets in 2016, before undergoing season ending back surgery in September. While TJ Rivera filled in nicely during the final month of the season, the Mets certainly hope to have Walker back for 2017.
