Mike Napoli, Rangers Reach One-Year Extension
As was reported by ESPN, sources have said Mike Napoli and the Texas Rangers have reached a one-year deal to avoid an arbitration hearing. The reported contract is worth $9.4 million and will see Napoli remain in a Rangers uniform for at least the 2012 season.
According to MLB Trade Rumor’s Arbitration Tracker, Napoli had filed for $11.5 million. The Rangers had countered at $8.3 million. Compromise won out as the Rangers and Napoli split the difference.
Napoli was one of the key players to Texas’ repeat run to the World Series last year. He hit .320/.414/.631 with 30 home runs last season. He adjusted well in his first season outside the Los Angeles Angels organization. He will be a key player going forward and a necessary player to have on board when trying to keep up with the Angels and their offseason transactions (some guy named Albert Pujols went there I guess).
Napoli, despite his performance last season and in the postseason, is still not garnering the star attention some other power hitters have this offseason. With another one-year deal in place, Napoli surely hopes to turn 2012 into his breakout contract season. Expect a long-term deal sometime during the season or shortly after the 2012 season concludes.
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