GOODYEAR, Ariz.— Mike Napoli has agreed to a contract with Triple-A Columbus, per Jordan Bastian.
Napoli was released by the Cleveland Indians earlier in the week, but the move was essentially a paperwork one that allowed the 36-year-old to explore other potential Major League opportunities.
The Indians brought Napoli to camp to allow him to train with a team and showcase his skills for teams around the league, knowing they would likely not have an Opening Day roster spot for him. Prior to him signing a deal near the start of spring training, manager Terry Francona told Edwin Encarnacion and Yonder Alonso that Napoli was not there to compete with them for playing time.
Napoli is an Article XX(B) free agent, which is a player who has played for six or more years; finished the previous season on a 40-man roster or on the 60-day DL; and signed a minor league deal over the offseason. Because he is accepting a trip to the minors, Napoli is eligible for a $100,000 retention bonus and a June 1 opt-out clause.
In 124 games with the Texas Rangers last season, Napoli posted a .193/.285/.428 slash line with 29 home runs and 66 RBIs.
Will
March 25, 2018 at 4:07 pm
29 RBI??
Try 66……
29 HR
JCU taught you to fact-check, double-check, I would hope…..
Vince McKee
March 26, 2018 at 1:17 pm
Hello Again Will,
We are always appreciative of feedback here at NEOSI and always look to grow our staff as well. If there is a position you feel that we could best use your expertise for, please let me know and we’d be happy to look into it for you.
Thanks again for reading!