It once seemed like the Rangers were moving swiftly toward a deal with free agent first baseman Mike Napoli, but nothing has come together as of yet. That may be because Texas is only interested in guaranteeing the veteran a single season, as ESPN.com’s Buster Olney reports (Insider link).
It’s not terribly surprising, perhaps, to learn of that stance. With so many other power bats still remaining — even with Mark Trumbo and Jose Bautista now off the market — there’s good reason for teams to look to minimize their commitments in adding defensively limited hitters.
Indeed, we’ve heard before that the Rangers were hoping to see whether Napoli or Chris Carter would settle for a deal to the team’s liking. It seems that may be more than just a temporary bargaining position, though, as Olney suggests that Texas just isn’t interested in Napoli if it means promising him two years’ worth of salaries.
There are certainly some warts on Napoli’s free-agent case, too. He did hit 34 home runs and post a productive .239/.335/.465 batting line last year, but he also struggled badly down the stretch and in the postseason. Likewise, defensive metrics turned on him after previously showing favor toward his glovework at first base. Given that he’s already 35 years of age, Napoli comes with some obvious risks on a multi-year pact.
Still, Napoli is arguably the best-remaining slugger of the bunch. Only Carter compares in terms of right-handed hitters, with Mark Reynolds perhaps representing a bounceback option after an underwhelming 2016 season. But there are still a variety of strong lefty hitters out there, including Brandon Moss, Pedro Alvarez, Adam Lind, and Logan Morrison; any could also draw consideration from teams that don’t have a strong preference for handedness.
The Rangers are playing this the right way. Still too many similar options, so no need to overpay. Also they have to save budget dollars for 2018 if they want to have any chance of resigning Darvish or Lucroy. Plus they have a couple current options that could man 1st if need be. It’s still a game of musical chairs for 1B/DH types. Too many players without enough logical landing spots.
Perfectly said.
disagree. that have screwed up letting him go twice. Fix it.
Meh. I’d throw in an extra papa johns pizza for a chance at the right chemistry. Bring Napoli in for 2 years. Lock it up. You get your veteran and best available defensive option. Is a favorite amongst fans and you know what to expect. His best 2 years to come in terms of veteran presence.
Napoli wasn’t the greatest in terms of playoff production & his defense is suspect, but Indians wouldn’t have had such a great year w/o his bat & leadership. Rangers seem to undervalue veteran leadership, so they’ll probably let some other team add him. He’s the best of the bunch left
Jeff Bannister knows Pedro Alvarez.
So, he knows Pedro is a good guy and teammate. But, it also means that he knows that Pedro is pretty much useless unless he’s hitting a home run.
Actually, the Rays would be a good fit for him. Keep him in the AL East. And he’d be cheap.
Do a story on Ventura about how he was found alive then was robbed and assaulted and left for dead …
What…tell me more
royalsreview.com/2017/1/24/14367610/ventura-was-le…
Some Grade A human garbage if that’s true. It’s amazing how unsafe many players are by either assault, or kidnapping, or driving in latin countries.
Give the Sox something for Todd Frazier. Please.
We’ll even eat some salary.
Mark Reynolds had an .806 OPS last season, I wouldn’t call that underwhelming.
He was a league average hitter while playing half of his games at Coors Field. He also had a .732 OPS on the road. Underwhelming is the only word for that.
K looking for a place to happen
If Im JD- Carter is my first choice due to the league leading power potential, extra year of team control via arbitration and affordability. My second choice is Reynolds due to his solid numbers last year and cost relative to Napoli and Third would be Napoli for the reasons cited in other comments.
I’d say Napoli, Reynolds, Carter.
Rangers are absolutely playing it smart. Although some may disagree with me, my gut says to take a gamble on Moss. I think he could strive in Texas.
I like how you think.
they have dumped on Napoli twice. He is the ultimate teammate and fan favorite.
Too bad they couldn’t put together a nice package to the White Sox for Melky and Abreu.
Like Josh Hamilton and James Loney.
Is Melky the handcuff in that deal? As in, you must take this godawful, overpaid roid cheat if you want Abreu? Otherwise, nope.
Melky had a good year last year, if you ignore his defense.
Melky, Frazier, Robertson Lawrie should all be dealt 1st see what you can get. Try to keep Quintana & Abreu n be relevant in 2019, great contracts and their both young enough.
All these guys – Carter, Napoli, Alvarez, etc – will have to accept one-year deals. The market is what it is, and none of you are gonna strike it rich this year.
Rangers are smart to avoid a 2 year deal.
Why no love for Brandon moss
Reynolds 2016 was definitely not underwhelming. I mean yeah coors field and all that but the slash line was still solid even for being at coors. 101 OPS+ in the end. Not bad honestly. Id call it solid, not underwhelming.