BREWERS BRING IN 2B WALKER FROM THE METS
The Milwaukee Brewers acquired infielder Neil Walker and cash from the New York Mets for a player to be named later.
What does it give the Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers are still firmly in the race for the NL Central division title, and Walker is a nice rental player who can help them down the stretch. He is a switch-hitting veteran with a fairly potent bat, so he gives Milwaukee a player to either push or replace the lighter-hitting Jonathan Villar at the keystone position. That said, Walker also plays third and first base, so his versatility is a valuable commodity for the Brewers regardless.
What does it give the New York Mets
The Mets have been dropping expensive expiring contracts lately (most notably that of Jay Bruce) and moving Walker here fits that trend. Sending his $17.2 million deal to Milwaukee--although cash is being sent as well--helps the Mets save some money, while giving their youngsters more at-bats down the stretch. It should also provide more steady playing time for shortstop prospect Amed Rosario (with Jose Reyes and/or Asdrubal Cabrera replacing Walker at second).
Fantasy impact
Villar, Travis Shaw and Eric Thames all take a fantasy hit with the arrival of Walker, who himself loses fantasy value (since he does not seem to yet have a clear starting position with his new team). On the Mets side of the deal, expect vets Cabrera, Wilmer Flores and Reyes to play more regularly, as should recent call-ups Rosario and 1B Dominic Smith. Do not be surprised if Smith and Flores platoon at first base.
