Indians, Napoli finalize 1-year, $7M deal
CLEVELAND - Free agent slugger Mike Napoli and the Cleveland Indians have finalized their one-year, $7-million contract.
Napoli had to pass a physical before the deal could be finalized. Napoli can earn an additional $3 million in performance bonuses under Tuesday's agreement.
The 34-year-old is expected to split first base and designated hitter duties with Carlos Santana for the Indians, who've also added outfielder Rajai Davis, and a number of depth pieces during the offseason.
"I've been told I'll be playing a lot and I believe it will be at first base," he told Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com.
Napoli hit .224 with 18 home runs and 50 RBIs with the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers in 2015. After being traded to the Rangers, he batted .295 with five homers and 10 RBIs in 35 games.
"I had a rough year. It was what it was," Napoli explained. "I still feel I have a lot in the tank. I feel like I have a lot to prove."
In 2013, Napoli hit 23 homers with 92 RBIs while helping Boston win the World Series.
To clear a roster spot, Cleveland designated right-hander Kirby Yates for assignment.
- With files from theScore