Yahoo Sports After losing out on Ben Zobrist, the New York Mets decided to go another direction at second base. The team reportedly traded pitcher Jon Niese to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for second baseman Neil Walker. The deal is completed, but still pending medicals, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

The 30-year-old Walker is coming off a season in which he hit .269/.328/.427, with 16 home runs, over 603 plate appearances. Walker is entering his final year of arbitration, and will be a free-agent at the conclusion of the 2016 season. He made $8 million last year, and is likely due a raise through the arbitration process.

Niese, 29, posted a 4.13 ERA for the Mets over 176 2/3 innings. While Niese started 29 regular season games, he was pushed to the bullpen once the team reached the playoffs. The Mets rotation is pretty much set for next season, and Niese would have likely been pushed to the bullpen unless the club decided to trade one of their young starters for offense. That doesn’t appear to be the case. Instead, Niese will be shipped out so he can start elsewhere and the Mets will retain their dominant, young rotation. Niese will make about $9 million next season, and has an $11 million club option for 2017.

Interesting trade here that seems to benefit both sides.  The writing has been on the wall for some time now that the homegrown product, Neil Walker, would not sign another contract with the Pirates.  Once our favorite Pirate, Jung Ho Kang proved his value the whispers called for Neil’s exit and an infield consisting of Kang, Jordy Mercer, and Josh Harrison.  After losing out on the likes of JA Happ Jon Niese should fit in nicely with the rotation.

Bucco’s management will now hopefully shift their attention to the glaring hole at first base…