Mike Napoli re-ups with Red Sox for 2-years, $32 million
Free agent first baseman
has agreed to return to the Boston Red Sox on a multiyear deal, according to several sources.
Rod Bradford of WEEI.com, 93.7 FM in Boston, first reported the signing.
Source: Napoli agrees with Red Sox
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) December 7, 2013
Ken Rosenthal at FOXSports.com is reporting that the deal is for two years and $32 million.
Napoli two years, $32 million with #RedSox.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2013
Rosenthal also states that Napoli took less money to remain with the recently crowned World Series Champion Red Sox.
Source: Napoli took less to stay with #RedSox. Earlier today talks were at a critical stage. He had at least one bigger offer.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2013
Napoli, 32, hit .259 – right at his career average — for the Red Sox in 2013 with 23 homeruns and 92 RBI. He spent five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels and two with the Texas Rangers before heading to Boston last offseason.
Napoli made $13 million in 2013, so the deal marks a $3 million per-year raise – not a bad come up.
Napoli made the American League All Star team as a catcher in 2012 while with the Rangers and hit .217 with 2 HRs and 7 RBI over 46 at-bats for the Red Sox during their postseason run this year.
Napoli himself made the deal official on Twitter with this message for Red Sox fans, the beard still going strong.
The beard is coming back to Boston!!! Couldn't be happier!! #Bstrong #beards #Ilovethiscity pic.twitter.com/mb2pDxq4tL
— Mike Napoli (@MikeNapoli25) December 7, 2013
Other teams reportedly seriously interested in Napoli were the Seattle Mariners and his former team in Texas.