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Earlier Monday, Phillies starter Jeremy Hellickson became the first player this winter to accept a qualifying offer. Hellickson was not, however, the last.

That distinction instead belongs to Mets second baseman Neil Walker, who waited until just before the 5 p.m. ET deadline to announce he would remain with the club for an additional season (albeit at a nice sum):

The move makes sense for Walker, whose 2016 season ended prematurely with back surgery. Walker will have the opportunity to prove his health with another season in New York. Provided he does just that, he should be set up for a more lucrative long-term contract than what he would've received this winter.

Before the operation, the switch-hitting Walker had hit .282/.347/.476 -- good for a 118 OPS+. He also tied a career-best with 23 home runs, an impressive feat, given his previous 23-homer season saw him accumulate 113 additional plate appearances.

Walker's return reduces the Mets' budget room but improves their lineup. He should slot in at his familiar second base, thereby leaving the Mets with one less question mark in their lineup. Of course, the big unknown is what the Mets intend to do with Yoenis Cespedes' vacated outfield spot. Walker's acceptance of the qualifying offer didn't change much on that end, but it does give them peace of mind elsewhere.