Mike Napoli will test the market after the Red Sox offer multi-year deal

Oct 19, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli (12) fields a ball during batting practice prior to game six of the American League Championship Series baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Napoli and the Boston Red Sox are still showing interest in one another but for right now Napoli’s going to test the market.

According to Jeff Passan on Twitter, Napoli’s return to the Red Sox is ‘far from certainty’ which could be concerning for some Red Sox fans after the power he displayed this season.

It was a 50/50 shot that Napoli would return to the Red Sox after having the season he did. I think maybe this organization is kicking themselves right now after his physical revealed a hip problem which led them to knocking his long term deal down to just a year deal.

Now that Napoli’s testing the market, this could be a good thing for Jarrod Saltalamacchia if the first baseman/catcher decides to sign elsewhere. Boston will more than likely wait to see what Napoli is going to do, but should have Saltalamacchia on speed dial with an offer waiting if he does decide to leave the team.

This could be a way to get Boston to sweeten up a new deal as Passan also reported he received a multi-year offer from the Red Sox.

I’m sure the Seattle Mariners and the Chicago Cubs are licking their chops.

Mike Napoli's return to Boston is far from a certainty. Source says he wants to shop around after receiving a multi-year offer from Red Sox.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 8, 2013

Home/Boston Red Sox