Minnesota Twins show interest in FA slugger Mike Napoli
Although the Minnesota Twins continue to focus primarily on their pitching staff, they are showing interest in free agent slugger Mike Napoli, per reports.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the Minnesota Twins were showing interest in free agent first baseman Mike Napoli, but a deal does not appear close to being done.
Source says Twins like Mike Napoli, but talks aren’t as intense as being reported. Nothing even close to imminent.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 25, 2017
Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press echoed Feinsand, stating that the Twins primary focus is still the weak pitching staff.
From what I'm hearing, I wouldn't read too much into reports suggesting #mntwins could be Mike Napoli's next landing spot. Pitching remains the priority.
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) December 26, 2017
Regardless of the reports, it is exciting to see the Twins mixing it up on the free agent market with hitters and pitchers. Pitching should remain the top priority, but adding a right-handed power bat would be an added bonus.
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How Napoli fits in
Earlier in the offseason, Puckett’s Pond contributor Nate Palmer wrote a profile on Napoli. He writes that Napoli could platoon with Joe Mauer at first base.
I see Napoli as more of a DH, though. While he can and should fill in for Mauer from time to time, his glove isn’t as good. Having Napoli at first base consistently could be a defensive liability for the Twins.
Minnesota Twins could have a healthy Napoli
Rob Bradford reported earlier this offseason that Napoli had surgery on a torn ligament in his right hand. Not only that, but he had played with it all season. This would explain his relatively poor numbers.
Free agent Mike Napoli had surgery on torn ligament in right hand. Played with it all year. Intriguing power hitting first base option.
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) December 1, 2017
A healthy Napoli would certainly help a Minnesota Twins team that ranked 16th in home runs in the 2017 season. Additionally, he will be able to provide rest days to Joe Mauer and provide a needed offensive bump if Miguel Sano misses time with a suspension.
On top of his offensive firepower, Napoli would be a much needed veteran presence in the locker room. He would likely fill the void left by Chris Gimenez, if Gimenez does not make his way back to Minnesota.
Next: Should the Twins continue pursuing relievers?
Should the Twins sign Mike Napoli? Let me know in the comments!