Houston Astros Rumors: Make A Play For Mike Napoli?

The Houston Astros need to put all eyes one of the most-talented and youngest players to hit the free agent market.

The Houston Astros need to put all eyes on one of the most-talented and youngest players to hit the free agent market.

Who am I talking about?

I’m taking about infielder Mike Napoli.

Yes, the World Series is over and the Houston Astros are hot to trot in light of hopefully an eventful off season in terms of improving this baseball team.

As I watched the Chicago Cubs secure their first championship in 108 years, I thought to myself as far as when it’d be OUR turn.

I know it’s coming but will it be soon?

That remains to be seen.

The Astros have been quite aggressive on the free agent market signing outfielder Josh Reddick, catcher Brian McCann and right-handed pitcher Charlie Morton thus far.

So we’ll have to see.

But here’s a new development.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Astros are working hard to secure the services of Mike Napoli:

Among hitters in whom #Astros have shown interest, per sources: Mike Napoli. Team prefers LHH, but Nap could be 1B/DH and offer leadership.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 20, 2016

Napoli who’s latest stint was with the American League-title winning Cleveland Indians where he was fresh of a one-year, $7 million deal.

The Indians have signaled their intent of bringing him back and the Seattle Mariners are also in hot pursuit of the long-time slugger.

But the Astros, long the laughingstock of free agency, want in on the conversation too.

This time, the circumstances are different with preceding moves the Astros have made this early into the offseason.

So what would this mean if he were signed?

We’d be getting power bat that can stick it at just about any given time and still cover first-base like a mother.

And the fact of the matter is, the guy KNOWS how to deftly get on-base which is THE most important criteria when becoming a member of the Astros.

More from House of Houston

Yes, he’s a right-handed hitter and our lineup is inundated with those types of hitters but he’s the type of guy that would be a strong and steady hand in the clubhouse.

This team needs that — the problem with these past teams is the lack of veteran leadership as the biggest chunk of our producing core are just coming into their own and hitting their prime.

Napoli has been there and done that throughout his career and if the Astros can pry him away from the Indians, then this would be another excellent coup to make this team better.

He’s a big name that still produces at the level that’s worthy of a gentleman’s mention.

So what’s the worse that could happen if we do add another right-hander?

Absolutely nothing — and this team is going to be more improved as a result.

Don’t get me wrong, I like A.J. Reed, I really do…but he needs to be put in the oven a bit longer as he’s not quite done.

I don’t hear the sound of the turkey popper just yet but it will in due time.

And how much will he cost?

Considering he made just $7 million last season, I’d offer two-year deal worth $24 million to whet his appetite which is right around fair market value for a guy like himself.

Any way, this comes as not too surprising news as the Astros are willing to talk to anybody and everybody to ensure that this team contends for something in 2017.

It may be a division title, league title or World Series but one thing’s for sure, this team will be damn fun to watch in the upcoming season.

Napoli, 35, hit .239/.335/.465 with an .800 OPS through 150 games and 645 plate appearances in 2016.

Go Astros!

Home/Astros Rumors