The Pittsburgh Pirates, who finished the 2015 season with the second-best record in the MLB, have some adjustments to make to their roster this offseason. The latest rumors indicate they're open to trading a veteran infielder to begin their potential makeover.
Second baseman Neil Walker could be a victim of the Pirates' trade plans as he enters his final year of arbitration eligibility. He's projected to make $10.7 million in 2016, according to MLBTradeRumors.com.
Earlier today Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun reported the Pirates had engaged in trade talks with the Orioles regarding Walker.
The #Orioles have engaged in trade talks w/ #Pirates for Neil Walker, according to industry source. Talks have been "off and on."
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) November 18, 2015
Pretty evident #Pirates are trying to move Walker. They have 9 arb-eligible players. #Orioles could get bargain if they remain engaged.
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) November 18, 2015
Those other arbitration-eligible players include catcher Francisco Cervelli ($2.5 million), closer Mark Melancon ($10 million), first baseman Pedro Alvarez ($8.10), reliever Tony Watson ($4.6 million), starter Jeff Locke ($3.5 million), middle infielder Jordy Mercer ($1.8 million), reliever Jared Hughes ($2.2 million) and catcher Chris Stewart ($1.6 million), according to Baseball-Reference.
However, the talks between the Pirates and Orioles did not get awfully far.
"I'm told that nothing came of it, with the Pirates apparently seeking more than the Orioles were willing to surrender and Walker figures to be tendered a contract as a Super Two in his final year before reaching free agency," writes Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com.
"The discussions quickly stalled, the sources said, in part because the Pirates have a high asking price at this stage of the offseason," adds Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Kubatko and Encina also noted the Orioles were possibly exploring Walker as an option at first base since Chris Davis is likely to depart in free agency and the team is already set with Jonathan Schoop at second base.
Walker, 30, hit .269/.328/.427 with 69 runs scored, 16 home runs and 71 RBI in 2015. He had a career year in 2014 when he hit .271 with 23 home runs, 76 RBI and an .809 OPS.
Although he's been great for Pittsburgh throughout his career, the Pirates have Mercer, Jung Ho Kang ($2.75 million for 2016) and Josh Harrison ($5.25 million) that can take over the middle infield at a much cheaper rate. Biertempfel notes Harrison would likely take over at second if Walker leaves and Kang - when he returns from his ACL surgery - will play third.
The speculation that the Pirates might move Walker dates back to last season following his 2014 campaign, as many noted he would likely be due for a big raise in his final year of arbitration. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports wrote last week that Pittsburgh has "fielded offers" on all seven of their players that are a year away from free agency, which obviously includes Walker.
However, Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said earlier today that the club has the financial resources to retain Walker and the other expensive arbitration-eligible players.
This offseason has been full of trades already and MLB teams are seemingly more open to conducting such talks than in recent years. Walker could be the next big name dealt.
