MLB trade rumors: 5 players New York Mets should deal

2. Neil Walker

After a somewhat down final season with the Pittsburgh Pirates (.269, 16 home runs, 71 RBI), Walker hit .282 with more home runs (23) in fewer at-bats (412) for the Mets last season. Back surgery ended his 2016 season early, but even with a slow start this year (.211, two home runs and 11 RBI through Tuesday) health does not appear to be a concern.

Walker accepted a $17.2 million qualifying offer from the Mets during the offseason, and in February negotiations on a long-term deal were reported to have either “hit a snag” or be “probably dead.” Unless that sentiment turns dramatically the other direction, Walker and the Mets at headed for a parting of ways when he hit hits free agency.

The Mets don’t necessarily have great options to replace Walker at second base, shy of calling up top prospect shortstop Amed Rosario and shifting players around their infield. But the alternative would be losing him for nothing in free agency after the season, and Walker is a player who should have appeal to other teams. If he gets things going at the plate sometime soon, Alderson has to strike while the iron is hot.

Walker may not bring a great return in a trade, but his contract status is enough to make him a movable piece as the Mets shift toward being a seller.