Mets Season in Review: Neil Walker

By Vincent Perricone

Dec 20, 2016

Aug 20, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; New York Mets infielder Neil Walker (20) scores in the sixth inning on a base hit by center fielder Justin Raggiano (1) (not pictured) against the San Francisco Giantso at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 6

Being acquired on December 9th, 2015 for Jon Niese, Walker had some of his best offensive numbers with the Mets last season. Though he only played in 113 games because of injury, he was obviously jealous of pretty much every other Mets starter that also missed time due to injuries.

In only 113 games, Walker tied his career high in home runs with 23 (also in 2014 through 137 games). His batting average was .282, which was the highest since the 2010 season (.296 through 110 games). His slugging percentage (.476 percent) and on-base plus slugging (.823 percent) were the highest of any season throughout his career as well.

Another number that was particularly high were his walks. Through 113 games, Walker walked 42 times, only two times lower than last season through 38 less games and 145 less plate appearances (consider that to 2011, which featured 54 walks trough 159 games, his most in a season).

Whether it’s right or wrong, the correlation between Walker and Murphy will probably be around the entire tenure of Walker’s Mets career. No matter how well, or poorly he plays, you’ll always have his numbers compared to that of Murphy’s. While Walker does fit the Mets well and played well offensively last season, Murphy was Ruth-esque.

How He Fared in 2016