The Pittsburgh Pirates have taken steps towards reopening talks with Neil Walker on a contract extension.

The club recently spoke with Walker's camp about working toward a deal, according to sources.

There are no active negotiations and the two sides appear to be far apart in terms of financial figures.

"We would love nothing more than to have Neil Walker end his career as a Pirate," Neal Huntington said. "We understand he's a really good player. We understand the local implications and the local ties he has.

"There are two parties to a trade negotiation, a free agent negotiation, a contract extension. Sometimes those two parties find a common ground and a deal is struck. Sometimes they don't. If we get to that point, and hopefully we will, then we'll have an extension announcement for Neil. If not, we'll continue to do what we do behind the scenes and leave it at that."