With free agency having just begun, several teams are already interested in free agent first baseman Mike Napoli, reports Jen Royle of the Boston Herald.
Mike Napoli free agency: Orioles, Mariners interested in 1B
Mike Napoli is already drawing interest from several teams at the outset of free agency.
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While the Red Sox have shown an interest in retaining him, the division rival Baltimore Orioles may look to steal him away from Boston and are expected to make a strong run. While first base is obviously occupied by Chris Davis in Baltimore, the team struggled to find a consistent designated hitter in 2013. The Orioles used 16 players as a designated hitter, with Danny Valencia's 38 games representing the most time at the position.
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In addition to the Orioles, the Seattle Mariners could make a run at Napoli. Despite being one of the most heavily rumored possible destinations for Jacoby Ellsbury, Seattle believes right-handed power is their biggest need. With Kendrys Morales hitting the free agent market, the Mariners could also use a first baseman.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox are likely still favorites to keep Napoli on board. After failing to sign Cuban sensation Jose Abreu, Boston is lacking a first baseman. Napoli already knows the franchise and helped the team win a World Series in 2013.
Napoli, 31, hit .259 with an 842 OPS and 23 home runs in 2013 for the Red Sox.
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