MLB PLAYER NEWS

Walker reaches one-year accord with Mets

The Sports Xchange

January 29, 2016 at 2:57 pm.

The New York Mets and second baseman Neil Walker agreed to a one-year, $10.55 million contract on Friday to avoid arbitration.

Walker sought a salary of $11.8 million, and the Mets offered $9.4 million.

Walker was acquired from Pittsburgh in the offseason in the deal that sent left-hander Jonathan Niese to the Pirates. He batted .269 with 16 homers and 71 RBIs last season.

Walker is being counted to replace postseason hero Daniel Murphy, who left as a free agent and signed with the Washington Nationals.

The National League champion Mets have one possible arbitration case remaining. Closer Jeurys Familia has requested $4.8 million and the Mets countered with a $3.3 million offer.