The Red Sox and free agent Mike Napoli agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $32 million on Friday, according to Sean McAdam of Comcast Sports Net.
Mike Napoli agrees to deal with Red Sox, per report
Mike Napoli is returning to Boston, after agreeing to re-sign with the Red Sox.
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The 32-year-old Napoli signed with the Red Sox last offseason. He originally agreed to a three-year deal worth $39 million, but there was an issue with his physical -- reportedly a hip condition -- and instead Napoli signed a one-year deal worth $5 million plus incentives.
More Napoli: Over the Monster
Napoli appeared in 139 games for Boston last season, including 131 at first base. He finished the season with a triple slash line of .259/.360/.482 to go along with 23 home runs and 92 RBI. His season numbers were nearly identical to his career marks, although his power dipped slightly. He will likely start at first base again next season, while also seeing the occasional start at designated hitter in place of David Ortiz.
Re-signing Napoli was thought to be a top priority for the Red Sox, who already lost Jacoby Ellsbury in free agency this offseason. The Mariners, Rangers and Marlins were also reportedly interested in Napoli. Napoli took less money to stay with Boston and had a bigger offer on the table, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Napoli confirmed his return to Boston via Twitter:
The beard is coming back to Boston!!! Couldn't be happier!! #Bstrong #beards #Ilovethiscity pic.twitter.com/mb2pDxq4tL
— Mike Napoli (@MikeNapoli25) December 7, 2013 More from SB Nation MLB:
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