TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 17: Jon Niese #49 of the New York Mets makes his way from the bullpen to the dugout before the start of the MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays on June 17, 2015 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
On Wednesday, the New York Mets acquired Neil Walker from the Pirates in exchange for lefty starter Jon Niese.
The trade seems to benefit both teams; the Mets need an everyday second baseman and Walker can also play third base if David Wright needs a day off. The Pirates gained a pitcher after losing A.J. Burnett and J.A. Happ.
Following the trade, Niese had a curious quote while talking up the Pirates defense:
Sure, he was praising the Pirates, but it also came off as a jab against the Mets defense, right?
The Mets' fielding percentage last season was .986 while the Pirates owned a .981, but to be fair, Niese seemed to suggest he preferred the style of defense the Pirates play.
Regardless, the Pirates defense will have their share of opportunities to make plays, as Niese struck out just 5.8 hitters per nine innings.
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