Cleveland Indians and Mike Napoli a Perfect Fit

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Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Indians and Napoli a Perfect Fit

Yesterday, the Cleveland Indians have signed first baseman Mike Napoli, pending a physical. The deal is for one year and $7 million plus incentives that could push the deal to $10 million. There are many that will brush off this move as another low-key, uninspiring addition to a club that “needs” an impactful offensive player. However, while Napoli did only sign for one year and for a relatively cheap amount, he is actually a perfect fit for the Cleveland Indians. He’s a player that improves the club in a number of ways and can have a big impact on the 2016 club as they push towards a title.

Right Handed Power Bat

Starting with the obvious fit, Mike Napoli hits from the right side. Not only that, but he has some real power in that bat. What’s that we’ve been hearing for years the Indians have needed? Oh that’s right, a Right Handed Power Bat. Yes, at the age of 34 Mike Napoli is no longer the 30 home run threat he was with the Rangers; however, he still has shown a knack for power. His .171 ISO (isolated power) in 2014 would have ranked fourth on the Indians (minimum 300 plate appearances behind Carlos Santana (.196), Yan Gomes (.194), and Michael Brantley (.175). His .187 ISO this past year thought would have ranked second on the team (min. 300 PA) behind only Brandon Moss (.190), who was of course traded midseason. Over the past two years in fact, Napoli’s .179 ISO is behind only Carlos Santana’s .180 ISO among current members of the Cleveland Indians (Gomes is also at .179).

More from Away Back Gone

Where Napoli fits even more is his splits. As said, Napoli bats right-handed and like many right-handed hitters, he hits left-handed pitching better…and in 2015 it was a LOT better. He hit .278/.391/.563 versus left-handed pitching this year with a mammoth .285 ISO and 154 wRC+. Among all qualified major league hitters last year, that .285 ISO versus left-handed pitching of his ranked fifth best in all of baseball. The closest Indians to him (among qualified hitters), was Francisco Lindor who had a .200 ISO versus left-handed pitching. Ryan Raburn was in the ballpark but even he was 20 points behind Napoli at .265.

Another major plus with Napoli’s bat was how much he improved in the second half of 2015. Napoli really struggled early on last year, hitting just .193/.294/.353 in the first half. He hit just ten home runs in 309 plate appearances along with a very un-Napoli-like .160 ISO and 75 wRC+. However, the second half was a complete 180 for Napoli. He hit 283/.381/.522 with a stout .239 ISO and 142 wRC+. He also hit eight home runs in just 160 plate appearances. And while yes, a lot of those offensive numbers came after his trade to the Texas Rangers and their very nice hitter’s park, he did still start to show a turnaround pre-trade. Plus, it’s not like Fenway and its very short left-field can’t be a great place to hit as well.

What is more likely the culprit for his vast turnaround is the difference in his BABIP (batting average on balls in play). In the first half of 2015 when Napoli hit just .193, he had an extremely low .232 BABIP. His career BABIP is .307 and in each of the previous two years it was over .320. In the second half, however, Napoli had .333 BABIP, much more in line with his career numbers. It’s not a coincidence that his numbers turned around when more balls started finding infield holes and outfield grass. Now, there’s no telling if Napoli will see similar struggles in 2016, every year is different and guys can get in to funks at any time, but given his career numbers and the turnaround seen in the second half, it’s pretty safe to expect Napoli could be a lot closer to his 2015 second half numbers in 2016 than his first half…

Next: Defense Wins Games Too

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.

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

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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.

Next: Cleveland Indians Sign Rajai Davis

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.

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