Ken Rosenthal tweets:
Source: #BlueJays set to trade Napoli to #Rangers for F. Francisco. No Guerrero to Texas. Napoli ABs at C, 1B, DH. #MLB
Mike Napoli seems like a perfect piece for the Rangers, as he gives them a second two-way catcher and, maybe most importantly, the extra right-handed bat to balance out platoons with David Murphy and Mitch Moreland. Napoli hit .238/.316/.468 in 140 games in 2010 and is a .251/.346/.485 career hitter. He is particularly adept against lefties, with a .287/.391/.537 career line. The Rangers would control Napoli for 2011 and 2012 before he is eligible for free agency.
Frank Francisco lost the Texas closer job to Neftali Feliz early in 2010 and battled injuries for much of the season. He was unable to return in time to help the club in their playoff run. Francisco is in a "contract" year, as he will be eligible for free agency after the season. He was a potential free agent this winter but elected to accept Texas' offer of salary arbitration.
Join the live discussion on the trade at Lone Star Ball.