We might have a dark horse in the Mike Napoli sweepstakes.
According to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, the Marlins have discussed Napoli internally and could enter the mix for the free-agent slugger at the right price.
Napoli has stated this offseason that he’d like to continue playing in Boston, but the 32-year-old is currently testing the open market in the hopes of landing a multiyear contract. Rosenthal already reported that the Mariners are interested in Napoli, and this report concerning the Marlins only adds to the intrigue surrounding the power-hitting first baseman.
The Marlins aren’t exactly considered contenders, so it’s reasonable to think that Napoli, who has spent his eight-year career in Los Angeles, Texas and Boston, might consider other options to be more appealing than Miami. He is a south Florida native, though, and his relationship with Marlins catcher Jeff Mathis could be a factor.
Rosenthal reports that Napoli signing with the Marlins isn’t likely if he has better options, which means that we’re left to wait and see just what his options are as we get deeper into the offseason.
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