NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Red Sox began to play catch-up by getting All-Star catcher Mike Napoli and the Rays took a chance on James Loney during a brisk day of activity at baseball’s Winter Meetings.
The World Series champion Giants kept center fielder Angel Pagan, while the Rangers brought back catcher Geovany Soto and made a deal for injured closer Joakim Soria.
Top free agent Josh Hamilton remained in play after hitting 43 home runs with 128 RBIs for the Rangers last season.
“I saw Josh on the flight here Sunday by accident. Coincidence, I guess, is a better word than accident,” Texas general manager Jon Daniels said. “Chatted with him a little bit in the airport. I know he’s here probably to meet with some other teams.”
Quite a contrast to last year’s session, when the Marlins often appeared to be the only player with their high-priced splashes.
Coming off a last-place finish, Boston tried to resolve its catching situation. Napoli got a $39 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.
“Awesome addition to our team!” Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester tweeted.
Also in play, maybe: Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco.
Nolasco, who went 12-13 with a 4.48 ERA this year and is signed for $11.5 million next season, asked the payroll-slashing Marlins to deal him in the wake of trades that jettisoned Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Heath Bell and Josh Johnson.
“I just think that he’s just looking for a better situation than he feels what is presented to him in Miami,” agent Matt Sosnick said. “The team certainly can do as they please. We felt it was important to make his feelings known.”
Loney found a new home in Tampa Bay. The 28-year-old first baseman hit a combined .249 with six homers and 41 RBIs for the Dodgers and Red Sox.
Soria reached a two-year agreement with Texas after missing the entire season for Kansas City because of his second Tommy John surgery. The Royals declined their option on the two-time All-Star for next year.