Rangers, Napoli make 1-year deal official
SURPRISE, Ariz. - Mike Napoli has joined the Texas Rangers for the third time, calling it a great opportunity to be back with his first World Series team.
The Rangers reintroduced Napoli on Thursday morning. He got an $8.5-million, one-year contract that includes a club option for 2018.
Napoli is expected to be the primary first baseman for the Rangers and provide a needed big bat in the middle of their lineup.
Over the past six seasons, Napoli has played in the World Series for three different teams. He went to the World Series with Texas in 2011, was part of a championship in Boston in 2013, and went with Cleveland last year in his only season there.
The 35-year-old Napoli, going into his 12th major-league season, set career highs with 34 homers and 101 RBIs with Cleveland last year.