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ANDREW WALKER, SHORTSTOP
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| Born: February 13, 1994 Height: 6′ 1″ Weight: 169 Bats: Right Throws: Right Signed: Minor league free agent, 2016 How Acquired: Minor league free agent College: Southwestern Christian College Agent: N/A |
WTM’s PLAYER PROFILE |
| The Pirates signed Walker as a non-drafted free agent after the 2016 draft. They signed several infielders in a short period of time to fill out their lower level rosters, as they had some injuries. They also seem to be having trouble stocking their rosters at the lowest levels since they added an advanced rookie affiliate at Bristol, as they need twice as many players and haven’t drafted many prep players in recent years. Walker hit 317/382/409 in his senior year, but his school seems to have played in a high-offense environment. As a whole, his team hit 331/403/442. Walker hit 333/376/446 in his junior year, numbers that were above average for his team. He was the first player from his school to sign a pro contract.
2016 Walker didn’t do much on offense beyond showing good patience and some speed. He played every position except catcher and center field, even pitching a third of an inning. He saw most of his time at short and third. 2017 Walker had stints with the two West Virginia teams. He got playing time at second, third and short. Walker figured to continue providing lower level infield depth, but he was suspended for 50 games for violating baseball’s drug program. Even before that, the Pirates had suspended him for refusing to take a blood test. Assuming the Pirates don’t release him, if he isn’t assigned to a team until the short season teams begin play, he’ll be out until late in the season. |
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CONTRACT INFORMATION
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| 2018: Minor League Contract |
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PLAYER INFORMATION
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| Signing Bonus: N/A MiLB Debut: 2016 MLB Debut: MiLB FA Eligible: 2022 MLB FA Eligible: Rule 5 Eligible: 2019 Added to 40-Man: Options Remaining: 3 MLB Service Time: 0.000 |
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TRANSACTIONS
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| June 30, 2016: Signed as a minor league free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates. |
