Neil Walker's future with the New York Mets may involve more than just a one-season stay.

When the Mets acquired Walker from the Pirates last winter, the veteran infielder was viewed as a stopgap at second base between the loss of free agent Daniel Murphy and the arrival of well-regarded prospect Dilson Herrera in 2017.

But like his recent fortunes at the plate, Walker’s fortunes in Queens may have done an about-face. General manager Sandy Alderson traded Herrera to the Cincinnati Reds in the deal for Jay Bruce, a move that indicates a change in the club's thinking at second base.

Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News cites a team source who says the Mets would “make a good run” at trying to re-sign Walker when he reaches free agency after the season. For his part, Walker seems open to the idea of remaining in New York, telling Ackert: “I like the players we have here, I like what I think we are building for this season and for years to come.”

After a prolonged slump, Walker has raised his average 31 points, to .268, in his past dozen games, including a two-run, ninth-inning homer that keyed a 3-1 win over the Tigers on Sunday. Walker already has 19 homers, four short of his career high set in 2014.

The 30-year-old Walker is making $10.55 million this season and will likely be looking for a multi-year deal.

Signing Walker would give the Mets some additional infield stability given the uncertain status of third baseman David Wright, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with back problems.