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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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 21: Kendrys Morales /

1. Kansas City Royals

The Royals have to know that they have a window. This team did a strong job of drafting and developing talent during their stint at the bottom of the MLB, and it paid off for a championship window at this day and age. During the 2017 season, Alcides Escobar will be 29, Eric Hosmer 27, Mike Moustakas 28, Lorenzo Cain 30, and Alex Gordon 32. They have a couple of years to win a championship with this core, and they have to take advantage.

The team lost Billy Butler and Alex Rios in recent years, and currently at designated hitter are potentially looking at Cheslor Cuthbert. Napoli would be a big upgrade and would be a bat ready to strike now in the middle of this lineup.

What would make Kansas City a strong option is that they would solely want him to be the designated hitter. At age 34, if someone is going to pay you a similar amount of money, but one involves playing the field, and the other is straight up hitting, you are going to take the hitting job.

It is a great fit for the Royals and would be a strong addition to a team ready to strike now. Napoli could definitely be interested given the need and the fit and if the money is right there is no reason the two could not come to terms. If Napoli is to leave, it could be the intra-division cross over and Napoli joining the Royals in 2017.

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