Mike Napoli hopes to re-sign with Red Sox

Napoli has hit well this year, batting .258/.351/.478 with 21 homers and 87 RBI in 538 plate appearances. He has enjoyed playing in Boston, telling Bradford:

“I love it here. It’s just something special, and a lot of these guys are going to be back here next year. I’m pretty sure some of these guys who are free agents, they’re probably going to try to lock up, too. This is an ideal spot. I’ve never had anything like this. I had it really good in Texas. But this is unbelievable.”

The 31-year-old has remained healthy during the season, earning his $8 million bonus for staying on the active roster for 165 days. The Red Sox originally signed Napoli to a three-year, $39 million contract last winter, but Napoli was later diagnosed with avascular necrosis in both hips, a degenerative condition that leads to the deterioration of the bone in his hips.

Boston renegotiated Napoli’s deal, signing the veteran to one-year deal, $5 million dollar with $8 million in incentives. MRIs have shown no progression of his symptoms, causing Napoli to search for a multi-year deal when he hits the free agent market.

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