Cleveland Indians and Mike Napoli a Perfect Fit

Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Defense Wins Games Too

While most of the talk is always about Mike Napoli’s bat and ability to hit home runs, he actually is a very good defensive first baseman as well. He was a finalist for the American League Gold Glove at first base and for good reason. Despite a reduction in playing time he still posted a +3 DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) and +4.4 UZR (Ultimate Zone Rating). His +3 DRS ranked fifth in the American League (minimum 800 innings) and his +4.4 UZR ranked first.

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2015 also wasn’t the first year that Napoli displayed plus defensive skills at first base. Since giving up catching after the 2012 season, Napoli has posted the highest UZR of any major league first baseman at +19.1 (minimum 800 innings). In that same timeframe (2013 to 2015), he posted the fifth highest DRS in the majors (best in the American League) at +20 runs saved.

Meanwhile, Carlos Santana, the Tribe’s 2014 first baseman, had a -4 DRS in 2015 and over the last three years has been worth -8 runs defensively (per DRS). UZR does like Santana a bit more but even there he was only at a +0.6 in the last three years. Needless to say, adding Napoli to man first base and moving Santana to designated hitter should have a rather substantial net gain in runs saved for the Tribe. This just further continues the defensive renaissance the Indians have been undertaking since June with the additions of Giovanni Urshela and Francisco Lindor, plus the move of Lonnie Chisenhall to right field.

Magic of the One Year Deal

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons Napoli is a perfect fit for the Indians is his contract. While $7 million may not sound cheap, given what many free agents have been given this year it’s practically a bargain. And even more important for the Tribe, it’s for only one year. This gives the Indians financial flexibility should something unforeseen happen with Napoli or if age finally does catch up to him. This can’t turn into another Michael Bourn or Nick Swisher deal. For an Indians club that will see a of their core get raises in 2017, this was likely one of the biggest keys deciding to add Napoli. Yes, he provides a lot with the bat and glove, but being able to help the present without damaging the future can’t be understated.

Being only a one year deal also gives the Indians positional flexibility going forward. They won’t be locked into Napoli/Santana at 1B/DH if they don’t want. It leaves open the possibility of moving a Michael Brantley to one of those spots should more health issues arise with him. Also leaves open spot for a prospect to step up and claim a spot following this season, like a Zach Walters, Yandy Diaz, Jesus Aguilar, etc. Basically as the old saying goes “there’s no such thing as a bad one-year deal” and that’s certainly true in regards to Mike Napoli for the Cleveland Indians.

Next: Indians a Fit for Napoli

Defense Wins Games Too

Magic of the One Year Deal

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