Neil Walker, Mets agree to $10.55 million, 1-year contract

NEW YORK (AP) Second baseman Neil Walker has agreed to a $10.55 million, one-year contract with the New York Mets.

The agreement, announced Friday, avoided a salary arbitration hearing.

Walker batted .269 with 16 homers and 71 RBIs last season for his hometown Pittsburgh Pirates and earned $8 million after losing in arbitration. He was acquired by New York last month for left-hander Jonathon Niese.

The agreement was $50,000 under the midpoint between the $11.8 million Walker had asked for in arbitration and the $9.4 million New York had offered. Walker is eligible for free agency after the World Series.

Closer Jeurys Familia is the last Mets player in arbitration.