Cleveland Indians Trade Rumors 2016: Mike Napoli Signs One-Year, $7 Million Deal
Mike Napoli is one of the few professional baseball players in the MLB who successfully made a transition from one role to a completely different one. The former catcher who transformed himself into first base agreed to sign with the Cleveland Indians, in a one-year deal worth $7 million.
The deal was actually verbally agreed upon last month, but the signing went through a tedious process since Napoli had to pass the physical, not to mention some of the stipulations in the contract had to be smoothened out first.
The 34-year-old veteran will now see himself getting a new start in a career that saw him almost quit. But he thinks he still can be competitive. "I still feel like I have a lot in the tank," Napoli said. "I'm able to play every day. I feel like I have a lot to prove," he added.
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It is evident that the Indians are in need of right-handed hitters, and with Napoli on board, they might have found exactly what they need. He currently has 204 home runs in his career, which means he's no fluke hitter. But aside from that, he also comes with utmost versatility, perhaps the most sensible option the Indians could get their hands on for the kind of money they have. Although he's going to push for first base, the guy can also do some catching, a designated hitter, and can even substitute as an outfielder.
However, there is a greater likelihood that he'll be designated as the team's first baseman by next season. For General Manager Chris Antonetti, he's more than just first base. "He's been a very productive hitter, especially against left-handed pitching," he said.
Aside from the base salary, he also can earn up to $3 million for performance bonuses, particularly $500,000 for a specified number of plate appearances.
