MLB Trade Rumors: Brewers closing in on deal for second baseman Neil Walker

The Milwaukee Brewers are close to solving their second base hold by closing in on a trade for Mets infielder Neil Walker.

The Milwaukee Brewers haven’t given up hope of winning the NL Central Division. Milwaukee will try to close the gap as they are closing in on a trade for Neil Walker.  Coming into today, the Brewers were just three games out in the division behind the first place Cubs. The Cardinals have also been hot of late closing in on just one game out of first. Even the Pirates were three games out in what looks like the most competitive division in baseball.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports was the first to report the news.

Walker, 31, is an impending free agent at the conclusion of the season. The Pittsburgh native will be returning to the NL Central after making his major league debut with the Pirates back in 2009. Walker has battled injuries this year but is fairly productive when healthy. Walker is expected to come off the DL shortly to give the Brewers one last playoff push.

Young stud Orlando Arcia has done a great job holding down shortstop but second base has been a problem. Hernan Perez, Jonathan Villar, and Eric Sogard have all played a part in those efforts thus far. In 73 games with the Mets, Walker has hit .264 and 10 home runs figuring to be an upgrade. Milwaukee was also looking at Ian Kinsler but he was claimed on the waiver wire blocking a potential deal to the Brew Crew. Kinsler also holds a full no trade and could have denied the trade himself anyway.

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No one expected the Brewers to be here as they are the surprise team in baseball. Guys like Travis Shaw and Eric Thames have had breakout seasons to power the Brewers to this point thus far. With the expected trade of Neil Walker, it remains to be seen if it’s enough to triumph over the Cubs in the division.