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MLB Free Agency 2017: 5 teams who should sign Mike Napoli

By Parker Hurley

Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Indians designated hitter Mike Napoli (26) hits an RBI double during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Indians designated hitter Mike Napoli (26) hits an RBI double during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) and right fielder Hunter Pence (8) and shortstop Daniel Descalso (3) and center fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) and right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) celebrate after the end of the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park the Colorado Rockies defeated the San Francisco Giants 2 to 0. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) and right fielder Hunter Pence (8) and shortstop Daniel Descalso (3) and center fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) and right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) celebrate after the end of the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park the Colorado Rockies defeated the San Francisco Giants 2 to 0. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Colorado Rockies

There have been rumors recently that while Napoli is best served to play most of his games as a designated hitter, that some teams in the National League may be interested in adding Napoli this off-season. It brings up the question as to who would actually be interested in Napoli to tie any smoke to that flame of a story. The Rockies would have to make the most sense.

The Rockies are a team that has to play baseball looking to out power their opponent. Their park is just never going to give the ability to be a pitching and defense team. With that said, at first base, they need a power hitter. Most teams get the most of their production out of the first base position, and for the Rockies to be lacking at this means it needs to be addressed.

Napoli is not a strong defender at this point, but as mentioned, they are not winning games with defense anyways. His power, which he showed may improve as he ages and plays more to hit home runs than to get on base, will only increase at Coors Field. He can also platoon with Gerardo Parra, which will limit his fielding, and set him up with favorable pitching matchups. It does make sense given the age and power of Napoli, and the need for a first baseman for Colorado.

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