The New York Yankees added another piece to an already impressive lineup on Monday, reportedly agreeing to terms with free-agent second baseman Neil Walker:
Source: Second baseman Neil Walker has agreed to a deal with the New York Yankees. Still pending a physical.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 12, 2018
neil walker and yankees are finalizing a deal. will be MLB deal. believed to be about $5M. @JeffPassan 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 12, 2018
Walker, 32, hit .265/.362/.439 (111 OPS+) last season while splitting time with the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers. He's consistently been an above-average hitter, having never posted an OPS+ below 106 over a full season. His defense at the keystone is below-average, yet he's shown a willingness to play elsewhere in the past, and he took reps at both infield corners during his time in Milwaukee.
Walker figures to slot in at second base for the Yankees, with recent acquisition Brandon Drury taking over at third base. That would likely leave top prospects Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar in the minors to begin the season, and could put Adam Lind on the bubble for making it onto the 25-man roster.
Walker had been one of the top free agents remaining.