Free agent first baseman Mike Napoli has agreed to a one-year deal with the Indians, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com. Alex Speier of the Boston Globe says it’s worth $7 million, plus incentives.
Napoli struggled for the Red Sox before turning things around following an August trade to the Rangers, hitting .224 with 18 homers and a .734 OPS in 133 games overall. He topped a .780 OPS every season from 2006-2014, so the Indians are betting on improved health and a strong track record leading to a bounceback at age 34.
Napoli and Carlos Santana figure to divvy up first base and designated hitter duties for Cleveland.