Cleveland Indians and Mike Napoli a Perfect Fit

Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Indians a Fit for Napoli As Well

Not only is Mike Napoli a perfect fit for the Indians thanks to his power, defense, and contract, the Indians are also a great fit for Napoli.  While Napoli has been a great defender the last three years, he isn’t getting any younger. He’ll be 34 this year and spent a number of years as a catcher with the Angels and Rangers. He also has a hip issue that caused some issues in his 2013 contract negotiations with the Red Sox.  Despite all that he’s been mostly healthy the last three years, playing in over 80% of his team’s games.  However, it couldn’t hurt to allow him some more rest and the Indians can give him that, whereas many teams couldn’t.

As mentioned, Carlos Santana to designated hitter is a good move for the defense; however, he’s still capable of playing first base. Mike Napoli will have opportunities to “rest” as the designated hitter in Cleveland whenever he needs it.  Obviously no National League team could offer that to Napoli and many American League teams have a designated hitter locked in as well (including his former teams the Red Sox and Rangers).  Now the expectation is for Napoli to be the “everyday” first baseman but don’t be surprised if he gets rest from time to time as the designated hitter as well.  Keep those legs and the bat fresh.

Conclusion

When one gets right down to it, Mike Napoli and the Indians almost made too much sense for it not to happen.  Napoli fills the Indians needs from the right side of the plate, in the power department, defensively, and budgetary.  The Indians fit Napoli’s needs as well giving him ample playing time at both first base and designated hitter, plus they’re in a position to contend which is something I think most (if not all) players would love to be a part of.  The Indians are also a team that has done a nice job with “bounce-back” guys in the past with Ryan Raburn, Scott Kazmir, etc.  Something I’m sure wasn’t lost on Napoli when making his decision this off season. 

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So there you have it, Mike Napoli and the Indians a perfect fit for 2016.  Despite this seemingly looking like a low-key move, Tribe fans should get excited for one of the better right-handed hitting power bats in baseball being in the lineup everyday at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario this coming year.  The Indians are much improved club than they were a day ago.