The Boston Red Sox have reached a new agreement with free agent Mike Napoli according to Rob Bradford of WEEI. Napoli had originally agreed to sign a three-year, $39 million deal in early December, but the team discovered an issue with his hip during his physical. The Red Sox sought to rework the deal with Napoli and include protective language in the deal about his troublesome hip. Napoli hit .227/.343/.469 in 417 plate appearances with the Texas Rangers last season. The new deal is reportedly for one year and worth $5 million, with incentives that can bring it up to $13 million
Napoli had reportedly re-opened talks with the Rangers but ultimately settled with the Red Sox because of more opportunity and more at-bats. Over his career Napoli has hit .259/.356/.507 and average 33 home runs per 162 games. Napoli will be used primarily as a first baseman for the Red Sox. Napoli will now have to re-establish his value on a one-year deal. The team is still seeking to add a left-handed hitter to the roster who can play first base and the outfield.
First baseman Casey Kotchman and Lyle Overbay remain as free agents but neither have major league experience in the outfield. The Red Sox recently signed left-handed hitting first baseman and outfielder Mark Hamilton to a minor-league deal that includes a invitation to spring training. potential trade candidates include Mike Carp of the Seattle Mariners.
