Mike Napoli’s tour of the American League is about to reach the AL Central.
The veteran first baseman has agreed to terms with the Cleveland Indians on a one-year contract, pending a physical, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported Tuesday, citing sources.
Rosenthal also reported Napoli is expected to be the Tribe’s starting first baseman. Napoli will make $7 million, plus another potential $3 million in incentives, CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reported.
Napoli started the 2015 season with the Boston Red Sox, struggled mightily at times and then was moved to the Texas Rangers before the trade deadline. He appeared to be revitalized with Texas, hitting .295 — 88 points higher than he did in Boston — over 35 games while also hitting five home runs. He finished the 2015 season with 18 home runs and 50 RBIs.
The Indians likely hope Napoli can get back to or near his 2013 level of production. Napoli hit .259 with 23 home runs and 92 RBIs in 2013, helping the Red Sox win a World Series title.
Thumbnail photo via Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports Images
