METS DEAL JON NIESE FOR 2B NEIL WALKER
The New York Mets acquired second baseman Neil Walker from the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitcher Jon Niese.
What does it give the New York Mets
This deal makes sense for both teams. For New York, landing Walker is a solid move as they had a hole at second base due to Daniel Murphy's free agent situation. Murphy is now expected to sign elsewhere. Walker is a better defender and more consistent player, overall.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates felt they could move Walker to the Mets because of the presence of Jung-ho Kang, who will now take over as the starting third baseman (with Josh Harrison moving from third to second base to replace Walker). Veteran Niese adds another decent lefty to Pittsburgh's rotation.
Fantasy impact
Walker's fantasy value should remain the same now that he's moved from Pittsburgh to Queens, while Niese may see a spike in his fantasy value (since his rotation spot appears to be slightly more secure with the Bucs).
