Indians’ Signings 12/16
The Indians have signed outfielder Rajai Davis to a one-year deal worth an estimated 5.5 million. The former Tiger will likely play a platoon role with Abraham Almonte and Tyler Naquin in the Tribe outfield. The aging righty is still a threat on the base paths, stealing 44 bases over the last two seasons with Detroit. During that span he hit .272 with 16 home runs and 81 RBI. His deal will be official after he passes a physical sometime later this week. The Indians current lineup will likely look something like this:
Davis LF
Lindor SS
Kipnis 2B
Santana DH
Napoli 1B
Gomes C
Chisenhall RF
Almonte CF
Urshela 3B
The Indians have also added 1B Mike Napoli on a one-year deal. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the team plans on using him as the every day first baseman, as he is a defensive upgrade over the Indians’ past options. This would move Carlos Santana to a permanent DH role. Napoli’s deal is worth 7 million dollars. Paul Hoynes of the CPD states that Napoli will be in Cleveland to take his physical on Friday, and if all goes well as expected he will join the Indians for the 2016 campaign.
The 34-year-old has hit .245 with 58 homers and 197 RBI over the last three years between Boston and Texas. He will likely become either the four or five hitter for the Indians.
After the signing of Napoli, the Indians payroll will sit at an estimated 82 million, accounting for arbitration-eligible players.
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