Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports was the first to break the news about Mike Napoli‘s agreement with the Cleveland Indians, while adding that the veteran will also serve as the Indians everyday first baseman. And Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the Indians deal for Napoli is for $7 million guaranteed with the chance to make $3 million in incentives.
Mike Napoli Signs With Cleveland Indians
At the start of last season, Napoli was playing for the Boston Red Sox, and the 34-year-old was playing as if his best years were behind him. In 98 games for the Red Sox, Napoli hit .207/.307/.386. However, after an August trade to the Texas Rangers, Napoli swiftly turned things around. In 35 games for the Rangers, Napoli hit .295/.396/.513 and in doing so, helped the Rangers reach the postseason.
The Rangers were able to take advantage of platoon splits with Napoli, which the Rangers general manager, Jon Daniels noted, via T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com:
“Napoli is a guy who always hit left-handers. He has been very productive against them this season. That’s something we have struggled with. He is a guy who we know will fit our culture with his makeup. There will be a minimum transition period. He gives us presence and power against left-handers. It made sense for us.”
Napoli might be able to hit lefties well, but he’ll have to improve against righties if he’s going to be the Indians everyday first baseman. In 256 at-bats against right-handed pitching last season, Napoli only hit .191/.283/.320, according to Baseball-Reference.com. Even with his struggles against right-handed pitching last season, Napoli still hit 18 home runs while walking in 12.2 percent of his plate appearances.
The Indians felt they needed to add more power from the right side of the plate this off season. Yan Gomes led the Indians right-handed hitters with only 12 home runs, while switch-hitter Carlos Santana hit just four of his 19 home runs from the right side.
There’s really no secret to Mike Napoli’s game. He’s going to see a lot of pitches, strike out a lot and provide a little power. As long as he can come close to producing like he did for the Rangers, then he should have a successful year for the Cleveland Indians.
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