Indians president prefers 'to work things out with Napoli'
On the heels of the Cleveland Indians' first World Series appearance since 1997, the team seems interested in bringing back a veteran slugger who helped get them there.
Regarding the return of 35-year-old first baseman Mike Napoli, Indians president Chris Antonetti said: "We continue our dialogue with him. Our preference is to work things out with Napoli," according to Jim Duquette of MLB Network. "I'm confident we'll upgrade our offense by spring training."
The Indians have been at the forefront of rumors surrounding a number of intriguing free-agent sluggers. The team has reportedly discussed a multi-year deal with Edwin Encarnacion, as well as having interest in Chris Carter, Adam Lind, and Mitch Moreland, who recently signed with Boston.
The Tribe could've offered Napoli a one-year, $17.2-million qualifying offer, but granted him free agency instead.
Napoli is coming off a career year, hitting .239/.335/.465 with 34 home runs and 104 RBIs - both personal bests. He was also durable, appearing in 150 games for the first time in his 11-year career.
Other teams to express interest in Napoli are the Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, and more recently the Seattle Mariners who have also maintained steady dialogue with him.