The Texas Rangers have planned a Thursday morning news conference to announce a one-year, $8.5 million contract with first baseman Mike Napoli.
Napoli flew to Arizona on Wednesday to undergo a physical exam, which he passed. That was the final step before making the deal official.
Napoli will make a base salary of $6 million this season and will be paid a $2.5 million buyout if the team does not pick up an $11 million club option for 2018.
The slugger will be making his third stint with the Rangers, who acquired him before the 2011 season and again in 2015. The Rangers made the playoffs in his three seasons with the club.
Napoli fills the void at first base left by Mitch Moreland, who left in December for Boston. Napoli posted career-highs last season in home runs (34) and RBIs (101) for Cleveland and helped guide the Indians to the World Series.
Arguably his best season came in his first with the Rangers. He batted a career-high .321 with 30 homers and 75 RBIs in only 369 at-bats.
Jeff Wilson: 817-390-7760, @JeffWilson_FWST
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