The Cleveland Indians completed the signing of free agent Mike Napoli to a one-year, $7 million contract on Tuesday.
The deal, which includes an additional $3 million in performances bonuses, became final after Napoli passed a physical. To clear roster space, the Indians designated right-hander Kirby Yates for assignment.
The Indians are hoping the versatile Napoli can provide right-handed power to their lineup. He has hit 204 career home runs and can used as a designated hitter and at first base, catcher or the outfield.
Last season, the 34-year-old Napoli batted .224 with 18 home runs and 50 RBIs with the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers. He played in 35 games for the Rangers after a trade.
In 2013, Napoli helped the Red Sox to the World Series title while producing 23 homers and 92 RBIs. He has a career batting average of .253 and 577 RBIs in 10 seasons with the Angels, Rangers and Red Sox.
Napoli is one of just eight major league players to hit 17 or more home runs each of the past eight seasons and has played on teams that advanced to the playoffs in seven of the past nine years.
