Mike Napoli agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract with the Red Sox over a month ago, but the deal has been in limbo since an issue -- believed to be a pre-existing injury with one of his hips -- was revealed during his physical. While the two sides continue to negotiate, Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe hears that the Red Sox haven’t given up hope of eventually working out a deal.
It’s been reported that the Red Sox would prefer to sign Napoli to an amended contract, likely with specific clauses involving the hip in order to minimize the risk involved. There have been some rumors about the Red Sox potentially looking at Adam LaRoche as an alternative to Napoli, but that appears to be a negotiating ploy, as they are reluctant to give up the draft pick (and draft pool money) to sign him. Meanwhile, Napoli is not tied to draft pick compensation.
