Catcher Mike Napoli and the Texas Rangers have finalized a $9.4 million, one-year contract, avoiding a salary arbitration hearing.
After spending his first five major league seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, Napoli set career highs last season by hitting .320 with 30 homers and 75 RBIs in 113 games while the Rangers won their second consecutive American League pennant.
He started 57 games at catcher, 27 at first base and 18 as the designated hitter.
Napoli is getting a raise from $5.8 million last season. He had asked for $11.5 million, and the Rangers had offered $8.3 million.
The 30-year-old Napoli was Texas' last remaining unsigned arbitration-eligible player.
The Rangers announced the deal on Sunday.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
