Rangers acquire veteran Mike Napoli to boost right-handed power
The trade winds are still blowing strong in August.
Exactly one week after the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline passed, teams are back hitting the phones looking for upgrades down the stretch. Among them, the Texas Rangers, who on Friday acquired the services of veteran first baseman/designated hitter Mike Napoli from the Boston Red Sox.
Though not as complex or confusing as Friday’s Braves-Indians swap, which saw Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn traded from Cleveland to Atlanta in exchange for third baseman Chris Johnson, it’s a notable deal for August.
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Napoli has been a fixture in Boston’s lineup and popular figure since signing as a free agent prior to the 2013 season. He’s also been a consistent source for right-handed power throughout his 10-year career. In fact, his next home run will be No. 200.
After taking a step back in 2014, Napoli underwent offseason surgery to treat his sleep apnea, which he hoped would lead to better rest and a bounce back season. Instead, Napoli’s numbers have plummeted to a .207/.307/.386 hitting line with 13 home runs and 40 RBIs through 98 games.
The honeymoon was clearly over in Boston. On the flip side, Napoli has shown some encouraging signs during the second half. Over this last 69 at-bats, he owns an improved .267/.362/.533 slashline. The Rangers will now hope Napoli can rediscover his swing and his complete confidence in the familiar surroundings of Globe Life Park.
If nothing else, he should be motivated.
Napoli figures to see a limited role, at least initially, plugging in as the right-handed compliment to Mitch Moreland and Prince Fielder. Any thoughts about Napol resuming catching duties should probably be forgotten though. Napoli mostly caught during his last stint with Texas, but despite the team’s need it’s safe to assume those days are behind him.
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According to WEEI’s Rob Bradford, Napoli’s limited no-trade clause gave him veto power over a move to Texas, Apparently, that was not an issue.
No other terms of the deal have been released, but the Red Sox will obviously get out from under the remaining money on Napoli’s contract. He was owed $16 million this season and will become a free agent this winter.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
