Detroit Tigers: Should they target Neil Walker?

Neil Walker split his ninth season last year between the Mets and Brewers. Coming off a solid .265/.362/.439 season with a 114 wRC+ and a 2.1 fWAR, Walker seemed destined for a hefty payday. He entered a relatively thin free agent market at second base. There appeared to be more buyers than players available.

However, a variety of unique moves have sapped up much of the need for second basemen, leaving Walker still looking for a job as Spring Training draws near.

The Angels were considered one of the biggest buyers in the market, and they had a need up the middle. However, Detroit’s aforementioned Ian Kinsler trade filled that hole, giving Walker one less team to bid for his services.

The New York Mets were in consideration for Walker, but their recent signing of third baseman Todd Frazier will move Asdrubal Cabrera over to second base, pushing Walker out of the picture.

The Milwaukee Brewers could still be keen on a reunion with Walker, but their recent Lorenzo Cain signing and rumored interest in starter Yu Darvish would remove any financial flexibility they have to sign him. Should they run low on money, they would be out of the running for Walker.

This does not leave many contending teams with a clear-cut need at second base.  And the teams in need have other options. Eduardo Nunez, Chase Utley, Brandon Phillips and Nick Franklin are all still available on the free agent market. Additionally, new Miami infielder Starlin Castro is likely to be traded by Miami, who is trying to cut costs.

This certainly puts the 32-year-old Walker in a tough situation.

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees dealt away starting second baseman Starlin Castro in order to acquire Giancarlo Stanton. They may want to add Walker while they wait for uber-prospect Gleyber Torres to take over. However, Torres could be ready as soon as opening day. And if he isn’t, the team has utility-man Ronald Torreyes who is capable of filling in. It seems like a deal for Walker would only be of the one-year variety, if they offer anything at all.

Boston Red Sox

Dustin Pedroia is going to miss a good chunk of the season with an injury. The Red Sox could consider adding Walker as a temporary replacement. However, they are closely connected to a reunion with Eduardo Nunez instead. Plus, Walker may not want to sign with a team where he is only guaranteed a starting role for a few months.

A rebuilding team

Both of those teams are a stretch, but they represent the clearest options for Walker at this point. Walker’s best bet may be to join a rebuilding team on a short contract and hit the open market again in a year or two. This would open up his options considerably as free agency draws near.

The Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves are three teams with very little depth at the keystone. While none of those teams are keen to spend a lot of money this offseason, Walker would be a significant upgrade. He would likely draw interest at a reasonable price.

The Pirates, the team Walker spent his first seven big league seasons with, could certainly fit that bill as well if they trade Josh Harrison, whom they are rumored to be shopping.

All this leads to the Tigers, who on paper represent a good fit for Walker.

While they have made very few major league roster additions, the Detroit Tigers have signed a flurry of players to minor league deals. Among those are four players who could conceivably make the big league roster as infielders: Ronny Rodriguez, Niko Goodrum, Pete Kozma and Alexi Amarista.

Having all four of them certainly makes Walker more of a luxury than a necessity. However, Walker’s incredible consistency (he has posted a 1.9 fWAR or higher every season since 2010) and solid reputation would be a nice fit on a young, rebuilding Detroit squad.

Walker is a switch-hitter who posted a career-high .365 on-base percentage last year. He has hit 12 or more home runs every year since 2010, including two seasons over 20. He would immediately slot in as the teams starting second baseman, and would likely hit either first or second in the order.

The Financials

Additionally, Walker’s cost is at an all-time low. Back in November, MLB Trade Rumors predicted Todd Frazier would sign a contract at three years, $33 million dollars. The market has been so slow to develop that Frazier just accepted a two-year, $17 million dollar deal. Walker could see a drastic drop as well. That would make him a much more appealing target for a Detroit team that is trying to cut costs.

At the beginning of the offseason, MLBTradeRumors projected Walker to sign a two-year, $22 million dollar deal. While Walker is still likely to ask for multiple years, something closer to two years and $14 million dollars seems plausible.

The Tigers should seriously consider shelling out $14 million dollars to add Walker.

Next: A look at the 2018 Infield

There is nothing wrong with going into the regular season with Machado at second. However, if a consistent, durable player falls into your lap at an affordable rate, the Tigers should consider taking advantage.