The Rangers Sign Mike Napoli to One-Year Deal

Mike Napoli will be back in Arlington in 2017. Coming off a World Series appearance and career highs in both home runs and RBI, Napoli will be a key piece in the middle of the order. For him to be in a Texas Rangers uniform once again is a good move.

Mike Napoli will be back for a third-stint in Arlington. The slugging first-baseman and the Texas Rangers agreed to a one-year deal today as reported by T.R. Sullivan.

Napoli played a key-role in the Cleveland Indians World Series run last season. Setting a career-high in home runs with 34 and RBI with 101. Unfortunately Cleveland came up short in the World Series.

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With Mitch Moreland’s departure, Napoli is expected to fill in at first-base. He also addresses the Rangers need for a right handed power bat. Rangers Manager Jeff Banister will probably have him rotate from first base to designated hitter throughout the season. His addition to the roster adds a bit of extra strength.

While it is unconfirmed on the dollar amount, it is a one-year deal. Pending physicals, the deal is expected to be official next week.

Spring Training begins next week. Napoli’s first workout will be on the 21st when full squad workouts begin. By then his deal with Texas should be final. If he can stay healthy and play well, he’ll have the same amount of success he had in his first tenure in Arlington.

For now we’ll just have to wait and see.