LA Angels free agent preview: Second Base

Neil Walker

Walker’s name may sound familiar to some. Throughout the 2015 and 2016 season, many baseball experts speculated the Angels would make a move to trade for Walker. However, a deal was never made. Maybe 2017 is when the two agree to terms.

Walker definitely offers an offensive upside, hitting 14 home runs with a batting average of .265 in 111 games played. Walker can also get on base. Between playing with the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers, Walker’s OBP for 2017 was .362.

He also bats both left and right-handed, another skill to Eppler’s liking. However, he definitely has his drawbacks.

Considering his age, 32, Eppler may go with a younger, healthier player to shore up second base for many years. Walker did miss some time with injuries as well. In 2017, he played in 111 games. In 2016, only 113 games. Health is a definite issue.

In addition to his age, Walker’s defense at second base is average. Having only played 95 games at second for 2017, he committed six errors and has a fielding percentage of .983

Not only his health and defense, but Walker will demand some money. He’s the premium second baseman in this years’ free agent crop and could be overpaid. Walker signed a 1yr / $17,200,000 contract with the Mets last season according to Spotrac.com.

Walker has plus and minuses like every player. Are his positives enough to outweigh his negatives? Regardless, it would be an upgrade at second if the Angels do make a move for him.