Boston (WGGB) — The Red Sox have signed former Texas Rangers catcher and first baseman Mike Napoli, according to reports from ESPNBoston.com’s Gordon Edes. WEEI also reported the news.
The reported 3-year, $39 million deal will bring Napoli to Boston for the 2013, 2014, and 2015 seasons. According to Edes’ sources, the Red Sox will expect to play Napoli at first base, primarily.
One reason the Red Sox targeted Napoli was his production at Fenway Park. In 74 career plate appearances at Fenway, Napoli is 19-62 (.307 BA), with 7 HRs and 4 doubles.
WEEI.com earlier reported that Boston and Napoli were close to an agreement.
In 2012, Napoli caught 72 games for the Rangers, out of 108 games played. ’12 was a down year for Napoli, batting just .227, with 24 HRs, and 56 RBIs. In 2011, Napoli had a huge year, batting .320, with 30 HRs, and 75 RBIs.
