93.7 The Fan Pirates insider and Post-Gazette beat writer Jason Mackey has an interesting thought for the 2021 Bucs, bring back Neil Walker.
Walker was traded to the New York Mets in December of 2015 (hard to believe it’s been that long already), for pitcher Jon Niese. It was arguably one of the worst Pirate trades in recent memory.
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While Walker hasn’t been a breakout star in New York, Milwaukee, Florida or Philadelphia, he was still a lot better than Niese and his stint with the Bucs.
Mackey points out that it would right a wrong of the Neil Huntington era.
Walker and his family have a home in the Pittsburgh area and heck, Neil Walker Field is in the North Hills.
The Pine Richland grad was drafted as a catcher in the 1st round of the 2004 draft and made his Big League debut in 2009 as an infielder.
The “Pittsburgh Kid” became one of the big reasons the Pirates were able to climb out of the doldrums of the past 20 losing seasons and head to the playoffs three years in a row 2013, 14 and 15.
As Mackey points out, if Walker doesn’t work out, no harm is done, but to give him a chance would make a great story. Heck, his brother-in-law Don Kelly is the Pirates bench coach.
Walker was released by the Phillies last year and in 18 games for Philadelphia hit .231 with three doubles in his backup role.
If Walker does make the team as a backup to the young infield, it would cement his legacy in Pirates history.
He would be the guy that makes all the alumni appearances for years to come. The player who comes down to sign autographs and attend fantasy camp and more.