Walker Hopes Pirates Bring Martin Back, Reflects On Own Future With Team
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Neil Walker is keeping busy this off-season, but that doesn't mean he's not already thinking ahead to the next baseball season.
He attended a seminar on concussions Wednesday night. While there, he reflected on free agency.
"The off-season is always one of those hit or miss type of times. You have to be prepared for anything that's thrown your way as a team," said Walker.
There are three big question marks for the Buccos right now.
Can they hold on to pitchers Francisco Liriano and Edison Volquez? And what about popular catcher Russell Martin?
"I hope that we can get them all back," said Walker. "The reality of free agency is, it's probably going to be difficult to bring them all back."
Big market teams are likely to throw big market millions at the Pirates' free agent stars.
For Walker, he'd like the Bucs to make Martin the top priority.
"He's an exciting player and he's somebody that you'd want to have on your team," Walker said. "So, hopefully, we can keep all three; but obviously, he's the most important one."
And what about the Pittsburgh Kid?
No second baseman in the National League has more home runs, RBIs or fewer errors. He's been with the Pirates organization for 11 years. Will he retire in his hometown?
"I'd be naïve to think that I'm going to spend my entire career here," said Walker. "I hope that's the case, but at the same time as ballplayers, it doesn't always quite work out."
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