The Indians finally added a right-handed power bat; it just wasn’t the one that fans had hoped for.
Just over an hour after the Cincinnati Reds dealt Todd Frazier to the Chicago White Sox, the Indians were active singing free agent 1B/DH Mike Napoli to a reported 1-year, $7MM deal with up to $3MM obtainable via incentives.
Napoli is a 10-year veteran that has spent time with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Boston Red Sox, and most recently served a second stint with the Texas Rangers.
This signing will help to add a little bit of power, as well as someone that can split the 1B and DH duties with Carlos Santana.
Last season, Napoli hit .224 with 18 home runs with 50 runs batted in. Last season was split between Boston and Texas. Early season struggles in Boston had more to do with Napoli’s overall numbers as opposed to the late season surge he had in Texas. For the Rangers he played in 35 games, hitting .295 with five home runs.
A veteran presence is added in the signing of Napoli, as he takes over the title of eldest Indian from Josh Tomlin, but this signing should be a complimentary piece, not the big move for the Indians this off-season.
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