Indians, Napoli agree to $7M, 1-year contract

If you’re not impressed, ask yourself when was the last time the Cleveland Indians signed three free agent veterans to their team before Christmas, and all on year deals. The 34-year-old veteran is expected to serve as the Indians’ everyday first baseman or as their designated hitter along with Carlos Santana. 224 with 18 home runs & 50 RBIs with Boston & Texas.

A one-year deal means the Indians are not expecting Napoli to be a long-term solution (nor should they at his age).

Cleveland was previously believed to be interested in first base/designated hitters types such as Chris Carter or Pedro Alvarez, but it would be hard to imagine them signing two players with such limited utility on defense, so they may be out of the running on those two recently non-tender free agents.

Napoli’s deal is for $7 million with the chance to earn another $3 million in incentives.

Last season, Napoli hit.

It’s a bummer to not have Napoli back because he always seems to play his best here in Arlington, but it also seemingly clears the way for Moreland to be the guy coming off a career season. Napoli can provide the Indians a potential power-hitter from the right side of the plate, which is something they lacked in 2014 when Yan Gomes struggled with injuries. He was traded to the Rangers in August and hit. 295 (23-for-78) with five homers and 10 RBI in 35 games.

In 2013 Napoli helped the Red Sox win the World Series.