Mike Napoli Agrees to Deal with Cleveland Indians

bleacherreport.com

Former All Star and 2013 World Series Champion Mike Napoli has officially agreed to a one-year, $7 million dollar deal with the Cleveland Indians. To make room for Napoli on the roster, the Indians designated pitcher Kirby Yates for assignment.

Napoli hit for a combined .224 average with 20 doubles, 18 home runs, and 50 RBI for the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers last season. His numbers with the Rangers were much better, as he hit .295 and had a .513 slugging percentage compared to a .207 average and .386 slugging percentage in Boston.

While the sample size is much smaller in Texas (he played 63 fewer games for the Rangers), this is a great addition for the Indians, who have been looking for a power bat all offseason.

Last year, the Indians traded infield prospect Joe Wendle to the Oakland Athletics to acquire power hitting first baseman and designated hitter Brandon Moss, a move that many thought would help bolster their offense and help put the Tribe back into the playoffs.

Unfortunately, that move did not pan out at all, as Moss went on to hit .217 with 15 home runs for the Indians before being dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitching prospect Rob Kaminsky.

Hopefully for the Indians, Napoli will not be a bust and will be able to add more power to their lineup in a low-risk, high-reward move.