Just hours after the New York Mets traded for second baseman Neil Walker, the team reportedly added infielder Asdrubal Cabrera on a two-year deal, according to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation.
Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio reported the deal is worth $18.5 million ($8.25 million in each of the first two years and a $2 million buyout on his 2018 option).
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal and Joel Sherman of the New York Post have confirmed the deal.
The Mets have been engulfed in rumors regarding who they were going to sign to replace both Yoenis Cespedes and Daniel Murphy. Well, Walker can fill the shoes of Murphy, but nobody yet can replace Cespedes.
New York is said to have inked Cabrera to increase their infield versatility since David Wright may need more frequent than usual days off due to his spinal stenosis condition. Cabrera, 30, also gives them another left-handed bat in the lineup.
Cabrera batted .265/.315/.430 with 66 runs scored, 15 home runs and 58 RBI with the Tampa Bay Rays last season. The market for his services has been quiet despite his decent campaign and versatility as a middle infielder.
The Mets also added second baseman Neil Walker today in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, which we talked about here. New York sent Jon Niese to Pittsburgh in the deal and both clubs made the official announcement shortly after it was reported.
Walker, 30, will earn around $11 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility before hitting free agency after the 2016 season. The veteran also provides another left-handed bat (he's a switch hitter) for manager Terry Collins to work with, and he's hit at least 16 home runs in each of the past three seasons, which gives some more pop to the lineup.
If the trade for Walker didn't solidify Daniel Murphy leaving in free agency, the signing of Cabrera certainly did. The Mets will now have Walker, Cabrera, Wilmer Flores and Ruben Tejada as middle infield options as well as youngsters Dilson Herrera and Matt Reynolds.
