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

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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Oct 15, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) at bat against the Cleveland Indians during the second inning in game two of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Cleveland won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays appear to be in a similar position to the Orioles. They’re in a situation where they can contend now and have decisions to make with some impending free agents. Their free agents are two of the most expensive in the market though with Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. It seems highly unlikely that both players would return, and there is potential that neither comes back.

With one or the other gone, the need for a player such as Napoli exists. Napoli can step in become another power bat and a plug into the center of the lineup. His price will not be cheap, but it will be leaps and bounds lower than the numbers, and the long term commitment that they would have to give Bautista and Encarnacion.

They can bring one of the two back, and Napoli can serve as a platoon bat beside a left-handed hitter in Justin Smoak. This is a team that needs to find a way to remain competitive but also needs to find a spark to get over a hill they have not been able to get over recently. Napoli, and what he can bring from trips to the World Series in Boston and Cleveland may have that factor that can give the Blue Jays an edge they previously did not have.

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