Red Sox rumors: Mike Napoli, Adam LaRoche on the radar

Mike Napoli and Adam LaRoche are both options being considered by the Boston Red Sox to fill their vacancy at first base, according to Nick Cafardo. That vacancy was created when Adrian Gonzalez was traded to the Dodgers in August, but the move also opened up plenty of payroll with which to address the issue.

LaRoche has been a member of the Red Sox before. He was acquired in a midseason trade during the 2009 season. He appeared in six games for the Red Sox that season, making only 19 plate appearances. LaRoche had a strong year for the Nationals in 2012, hitting .271 with 33 home runs. The Nationals are interested in retaining LaRoche, so the Red Sox will face competition to sign him.

Napoli can play first base and catcher and had a down year after a fantastic 2011 season. He hit just .227 for the Rangers in 2012, although he still hit 24 home runs and drove in 56. The Red Sox seem to view Napoli as primarily a first baseman, although, his ability to catch could make either Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Ryan Lavarnway expendable in a trade.