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Cleveland Indians: 5 Potential Landing Spots For Mike Napoli

By Nick Dudukovich

Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Indians designated hitter Mike Napoli (26) hits an RBI double during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Indians designated hitter Mike Napoli (26) hits an RBI double during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais (9) signs autographs for fans before a game against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field. Oakland won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais (9) signs autographs for fans before a game against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field. Oakland won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Seattle Mariners

Mike Napoli seems like the perfect fit for the Mariners. Seattle’s lineup is a little too left-handed, plus the team needs a first baseman. The club has Daniel Vogelbach. However, he’s totaled just 12 big-league at bats, plus, he’s left handed!

Napoli would probably get the majority of playing time, but his presence would give Seattle more versatility.  Vogelbach could get more looks at first base, while Napoli plays DH.

There’s also a natural connection tying Napoli to Seattle. The M’s manager, Scott Servais, worked in the Rangers organization when Napoli played in Texas from 2011-2012.

OK, but will Napoli really go to Seattle? Follow the money, baby.

Seattle’s payroll topped at $150 million in 2016. The team has new ownership, but the CEO, John Stanton, said the team’s payroll would go up in 2017.

“We certainly aren’t going south,” he said of payroll budget via the Seattle Times. “In all likelihood, we are going north. And we have the freedom to do what we need to do.”

But don’t expect the Mariners to become big spenders like the Dodgers or Red Sox.

Seattle Times reporter Ryan Divish speculated the payroll could increase to $165 million. If true, the Mariners will have the money to spend on Napoli.

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