Red Sox Close to Deal with Mike Napoli

Napoli clubbed 54 home runs over the past two seasons. Image: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

According to Rob Bradford of WEEI, the Boston Red Sox are nearing a deal with free agent slugger Mike Napoli. The deal is believed to be for three years.

Napoli would be the primary first base option in Boston, though he’s spent much of his career as a catcher. The Red Sox already have three catchers under contract and with David Ortiz on board as well, Napoli’s bat will play at first.

The right handed hitter had been pursued as well by Seattle and Texas.

The Rangers will be without Napoli in their lineup going forward and needs to find a catcher, even after re-signing Geovany Soto. Should this deal become final, Boston would now be out of the chase for free agent Adam LaRoche, who would then figure to re-sign with the Nationals.

Napoli is a pull hitter with immense power and should play very well at Fenway Park. The Red Sox have a need for more pop in their lineup, but with the signings of Jonny Gomes and now Naoli, that needs is well on its way to being addressed.

UPDATE: The deal is said to be worth $13 million per year. Jayson Stark tweets that Boston is still in on Nick Swisher, Shane Victorino, and Cody Ross.