Mets sign Walker to 1-year deal
NEW YORK – Second baseman Neil Walker agreed to a $10.55 million, one-year contract with the New York Mets.
The agreement, announced Friday, avoided a salary arbitration hearing.
Walker batted .269 with 16 homers and 71 RBIs last season for his hometown Pittsburgh Pirates and earned $8 million after losing in arbitration. He was acquired by New York last month for left-hander Jonathon Niese.
The agreement was $50,000 under the midpoint between the $11.8 million Walker asked for in arbitration and the $9.4 million New York offered. Walker is eligible for free agency after the World Series.
Closer Jeurys Familia is the last Mets player in arbitration.