By Ricky Doyle
Mike Napoli embraced everything about Boston during his two-plus seasons with the Red Sox. It left an impression on the organization, which must make a decision regarding first base.
Hanley Ramirez currently is slated to be Boston’s starting first baseman in 2016, but the Red Sox reportedly are covering their bases by checking in with Napoli this offseason.
Ramirez has been the subject of trade speculation this winter. It could be difficult for the Red Sox to find a dance partner if they’re indeed interested in trading the three-time All-Star, though, as he has three years and $66 million remaining on his contract after a disappointing 2015 campaign.
There’s also no guarantee Napoli would produce in Boston. He performed well down the stretch after the Red Sox traded him to the Texas Rangers in August, but he batted just .207 with 13 home runs, 40 RBIs, 99 strikeouts and a .693 OPS in 378 plate appearances with the Red Sox before the midseason deal.
Napoli, who turned 34 on Halloween, hit .248 with 17 homers, 55 RBIs and a .789 OPS in 119 games during an injury plagued 2014 season. He helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 2013, when he batted .259 with 23 homers, 92 RBIs and an .842 OPS in 139 regular-season contests.
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