Rangers avoid arbitration, sign Napoli

ARLINGTON, Texas, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- The Texas Rangers have avoided arbitration with catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli, instead signing him to a one-year deal, the team said Sunday.

Terms of the contract weren't disclosed, but the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram reported it was worth $9.4 million.

After taking over behind the plate following the All-Star Game break, Napoli wielded a hot bat, especially in the postseason when he hit .328 with three homers and 15 RBI over 17 games.

Overall last year, the 30-year-old batted .320 with 30 homers and 75 RBI in 113 games -- all career highs.

Napoli played with the Los Angeles Angels for five seasons before the Rangers obtained him in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays in January 2011.

He boasts 122 home runs and 324 RBI in 619 career games,