New York Yankees Spring Training News
Spring Training is underway in Florida, as the Yankees have gone 11-6 in their 17 Grapefruit League games. Their .647 winning percentage this spring is tied for fourth-best in the Majors, while the team's pitching staff ranks third in the AL with a 3.75 ERA. This spring marks the Yankees' 23rd season at George M. Steinbrenner Field (since 1996).
Last year, the Yankees were lovable underdogs that surprised pundits and fans by coming just short of the World Series. They aren't underdogs anymore.
They acquired Giancarlo Stanton to add another 59 homers to Aaron Judge's totals. Greg Bird will be healthy and ready to play a full season only 90 feet away from Gary Sanchez. The team added Brandon Drury to bolster the infield, and when they saw that Neil Walker (pictured above with a fan) was still on the free agent market -- a switch-hitter with the fifth-best wRC+ among second basemen since 2013 -- the Yankees swooped in and signed him.
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TAMPA, Fla. -- When the golf cart rolled to a stop outside the clubhouse on the first-base side of George M. Steinbrenner Field on Monday afternoon, Neil Walker popped out of the passenger side, a soon-to-be-replaced Milwaukee Brewers equipment bag slung over his right shoulder.
Marking the conclusion of what the veteran infielder described as a "crazy offseason," Walker and the Yankees agreed to a one-year contract worth $4 million, adding another splash of experience to a lineup that is expected to be among the game's best.
"This is a really talented group," Walker said. "That's one thing you're happy about as a player, to have that opportunity to get to the playoffs and a World Series. You look around here and there's arguably the best group of guys that there is in the league. I'm excited to be part of this whole process."
General manager Brian Cashman said the 32-year-old Walker will be asked to play first base, second base and third base, positions that he manned last year for the Mets and Brewers. Because of Walker's late arrival and the performance of others in camp -- most notably Tyler Wade -- Cashman said Walker is not being guaranteed a starting role.
"If he takes something from somebody over time, so be it, but he's getting a late start given the fact that we're probably about two weeks away from leaving Florida," Cashman said. "We're excited to have him. It certainly wasn't part of our game plan at first, but it was something we couldn't ignore when the opportunity still existed. I'm happy he picked us."
Tyler Wade, who entered play on Monday with seven hits in 24 at-bats (.292), did not seem to be concerned by the arrival of another challenger. "I'm glad we got him," Wade said. "It's a big bat, big power. Switch-hitter, too, so he adds versatility and he plays all over. I'm excited we got him. ... I'm not worried about it. If I continue to play my game, I'll be all right."
Walker's contract includes incentives of $125,000 for 425, 450, 475 and 500 plate appearances. Even if Walker reaches them all, the deal represents a massive dip from the $17.2 million he earned last year after accepting the Mets' qualifying offer.
"When it comes down to it, I didn't have an offer from anybody until three days ago," Walker said. "That was certainly frustrating. It came together fairly quickly starting the middle of last week. I'm happy to have a few weeks to get ready for the season."
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