RANGERS REEL IN NAPOLI
The Texas Rangers acquired first baseman Mike Napoli and cash from the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
The Rangers are still technically in the playoff hunt, so adding a quality veteran slugger in Napoli makes sense. He has a big contract but it expires after this season, so this is a rental situation for a team looking for ways to tweak the lineup down the stretch. Look for Napoli to spot Mitch Moreland and Prince Fielder at DH and first base the rest of the way.
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
Boston's playoff hopes have disappeared, so cutting some salary for the rest of this season makes sense. Napoli was a logical choice to move, as he has a big-money contract that's up after this season. The move also allows the Red Sox to take a closer look at young first baseman Travis Shaw, who (for now at least) looks likely to take over as the starter.
Fantasy impact
Righty-batting Napoli will probably cut into the fantasy fortunes of lefty first baseman Mitch Moreland, since the two form an obvious platoon. That said, Napoli probably isn't a good candidate for a fantasy flier down the stretch (in part because of the time-share, but also because he's batting just .205 this season). In Boston, Shaw is the biggest benefactor of the move. He gets some added sleeper value, but isn't a must-add yet because he's still unproven.
Player focus
Boston Red Sox
a player to be named later