The Indians hope to re-sign first baseman Mike Napoli this winter, according to a report from Jon Heyman of Fan Rag. It’s not known whether the club will issue the veteran slugger a qualifying offer, he adds.
There certainly seems to be mutual interest, and Cleveland still could use a first baseman/DH to pair with Carlos Santana — whose option seems all but certain to be exercised. Napoli has performed well, swatting 34 home runs in 631 plate appearances and compiling a .242/.338/.473 slash. And he seems to have taken up an important place in the clubhouse.
Still, there are limits to the veteran’s value. He certainly isn’t young, and his total output adjusts to a 116 wRC+ and 106 OPS+, which isn’t exactly world-beating for a player with his defensive limitations. When it comes to the glove, Napoli received negative ratings from both UZR and DRS after previously rating as a quality defender at first.
All said, it’s easy to see both the cause for the continued interest but also for the questions over how much to spend. At $16.7MM, the qualifying offer seems rather steep — particularly with numerous other slugging types set to reach the open market — and it’s not impossible to imagine him accepting.
The best case for Napoli, of course, would be to hit free agency without the necessity of draft compensation hanging over him, as that could significantly tamp down market interest. He will be seeking multiple years this winter, Heyman notes, after settling for a one-year, $7MM contract with the Indians — as well as up to $2MM in plate appearance bonuses that he may max out — following a disappointing 2015 campaign.
While there’s no indication that team and player have discussed a new contract at this point, it’s possible to imagine discussions taking place before the qualifying offer deadline (or while Napoli is mulling it, if issued). Ultimately, it may be that some kind of two-year accommodation to keep Napoli in Cleveland could make sense for all involved.
I believe he will sign back with Cleveland on a 2yr deal with a option. He enjoys playing for Francona and he is a great fit in their clubhouse.
Why doesn’t Napoli catch anymore? Concussions?
Bad hips
He was always just a poor defensive catcher. He didn’t even know he had the degenerative hip issue until he was set to sign to be the Red Sox first baseman. It wasn’t a sudden transition though, he’d been picking up time at 1B since his Angels days.
I don’t recall concussion issues, just declining defense. However, he has also dropped some unnecessary weight and had his sleep apnea corrected surgery within the last year or two, which I’ve seen mentioned as possible factors in his CLE resurgence.
It was ultimately his hips. Degenerative hips or something like that.
Hip displasia. My dog had it. Very sad.
Man, I hope he re-signs. Otherwise, where will the party be at?
Surely He will realize his defense has declined and he will focus on it more this off season. I think Francona trusts in him. I like notagain27’s prediction
The Rangers made a huge mistake in not keeping Napoli. Happy for him that he got a WS ring with Boston. Hope he gets one this year. Cheering the Indians for Win in the WS.