First baseman Mike Napoli is among the best power hitters available in free agency, and he already has a reported suitor.
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Latest on Napoli's Free-Agent Interest
Tuesday, Nov. 8
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Seattle Mariners are showing interest in the 35-year-old veteran.
Napoli enjoyed one of the most productive seasons of his 11-year career in 2016, as he hit .239 with a personal-best 34 home runs, 101 RBI and 92 runs scored in the heart of the Cleveland Indians' batting order.
He also had one homer and three RBI during the Tribe's surprising run to the World Series.
The Indians declined to give Napoli a qualifying offer Monday, per Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com, but Tom Withers of the Associated Press reported last Friday they have interest in potentially re-signing him.
Napoli is a versatile player who was used exclusively at first base and as a designated hitter last season, but he has previous experience in the outfield and at catcher.
He also has 66 career postseason games to his credit and won a championship with the Boston Red Sox in 2013.
The Mariners ranked third in Major League Baseball in home runs last season and sixth in runs scored due largely to the play of Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano's uptick in power, and the arrival of Napoli would make Seattle an even bigger power threat.
The lefty-hitting Dan Vogelbach is the Mariners' current first baseman, and he tore up minor league pitching, so adding a righty such as Napoli could make for a dangerous platoon.
This contract may be the last significant deal for Napoli since his age suggests he is reaching the twilight of his career, but he proved in 2016 he is still capable of anchoring a lineup.
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