Pirates trade Walker to Mets for Niese

The New York Mets' front office wasted no time landing its backup plan after missing out on Ben Zobrist.

Second baseman Neil Walker was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Mets on Wednesday in exchange for left-handed starter Jon Niese.

Walker, who is projected to make $10.7 million through arbitration this season, slashed .269/.328/.427 with 16 home runs and 32 doubles in 151 games in 2015. The 30-year-old has averaged 18 homers and 27 doubles in each of the last three seasons, and is viewed as an upgrade defensively over former Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy.

Niese is owed $9 million next season, with a $10-million team option for 2017, and an $11-million team option in 2018. The 29-year-old posted a 4.13 ERA and 1.39 WHIP across 176 2/3 innings last season, striking out 113. The Pirates had a hole in their rotation following the retirement of A.J. Burnett.

After moving Niese, the Mets reportedly contacted free agent Bartolo Colon regarding a possible return.