NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- According to multiple major league sources, the Red Sox have reached a three-year, $39 million agreement with free agent Mike Napoli.
Though he struggled to a .227 average with a .343 OBP, .469 slugging mark and .812 OPS with the Rangers in 2012, Napoli represented one of the top free agent options for the Sox, both because of his history of consistent offensive production (.259/.356/.507/.863 career line) -- demonstrating both middle-of-the-order power and considerable plate discipline -- and because the Rangers did not make him a qualifying offer, thus meaning that the Sox will not lose a draft pick for signing him. The 31-year-old has also been an absolute force at Fenway Park, hitting .306/.397/.710/1.107 with seven homers in 19 regular season games.
Napoli figures to be the Red Sox' primary first base option.
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Alex Speier contributed to this report.
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