Phillies Add Switch-Hitting IF Neil Walker

The Phillies continued stocking up on depth as they approach the 2020 season.  After we learned about three different relievers the Phillies added on minor league deals, the Phillies offered the same invitation to a veteran bat.   According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Phillies have signed Neil Walker to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.

In the prime of his career, Walker was the starting second baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The Pittsburgh native was a model of consistency.  Walker was usually good for a batting average between .260 and .290 and would hit home runs somewhere in the high teens/lower 20s.  Pirates fans really liked him.

Since then, Walker has become a versatile utility player.  Already versatile at the plate as a switch-hitter, Walker has played second base, third base, first base and outfield in recent seasons.  Since leaving PIttsburgh, Walker has played for the New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, and Miami Marlins.

Walker will be looking for an infield bench spot with his former teammate, Josh Harrison and Phil Gosselin and Ronald Torreyes.  Outfielders invited to camp include Matt Szczur and Mikie Mahtook.  With a 26th player added to the MLB roster in 2020, the Phillies could go either way.