Pirates and Mets discussing Neil Walker/Jon Niese trade
By John Buhler
The Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets are discussing a Neil Walker for Jon Niese trade.
According to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, the Pittsburgh Pirates are discussing a potential trade with the New York Mets, involving second baseman Neil Walker of the Pirates for left-handed starting pitcher Jon Niese for the Mets.
Source: #Mets indeed discussing Niese-for-Walker with #Pirates. First: @BiertempfelTrib.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 9, 2015
It seems as though this would mean that the Mets would likely be looking for a replacement at second base, as free agent Daniel Murphy should command a lucrative contract after his strong performance in the second half of the 2015 MLB season and the NL Postseason.
New York has a surplus of starting pitching and with the arrivals of Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz to the rotation, the Mets will likely want to get something out of Niese who is good enough to pitch in the middle of most rotations, just not the Mets.
A potential man-for-man with these two clubs could aid one another, resolving the Mets’ need at second base, while giving the Pirates another arm they can put in the starting rotation with ace Gerrit Cole. It may be hard for Pittsburgh to move native son Walker, whose dad played for the Pirates in the Roberto Clemente years.
Would Pittsburgh part with a major piece in their turnaround in Walker for a left-handed starter is the biggest question with this potential trade. It could prove mutually beneficial for both clubs if they want to go ahead with the deal.