Mets second baseman Neil Walker accepts qualifying offer, stays with team

FLUSHING, New York -- Mets second baseman Neil Walker has accepted a $17.2 million qualifying offer, giving up free agency to stay with the team

Eight other free agents did not accept the offers from their former teams by Monday's 5 p.m. EST deadline: outfielders Jose Bautista (Toronto), Yoenis Cespedes (Mets), Ian Desmond (Texas), Dexter Fowler (Chicago Cubs) and Mark Trumbo (Baltimore), designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (Toronto); closer Kenley Jansen (Los Angeles Dodgers); and third baseman Justin Turner (Dodgers).

Walker is a signed player with Monday's decision and could be eligible for free agency again after next season.

"Happy to say I'm back in Orange and Blue for 2017!! Let's go Mets!" Walker tweeted on Monday.

The Mets got Walker in a trade with Pittsburgh last December. He hit .282 with 23 homers and 55 RBIs in 113 games with New York before his season was cut short by back surgery.