Red Sox Ship First Baseman Napoli To Texas As Part Of Post Deadline Move

The Boston Red Sox made a rare post trade deadline move, late Friday evening, as the last-place ball club shipped their well paid and under performing first baseman Mike Napoli to the Texas Rangers.

The deal was announced just prior to the start of Boston's three-game set against the Detroit Tigers, according Caroline Slonksnis of MLB.com.

It is not yet known what or who will be coming back to the Red Sox in return for the slugger, who has struggled this season with a lowly .207 average and just 13 homers to go with 40 RBI.

The trade does send Napoli, who is in search of a fresh start, back to a Rangers ball club that he enjoyed some success with the two seasons prior to his most recent stint with Boston.

Making the move could also prove to free up some money for Boston as they look to rebuild for next season. The deal could also open the door for young first base prospect Travis Shaw to see increased playing time. Shaw is 10-24 with a couple of long balls since being called up this season.