Napoli returning to Red Sox

Boston, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - The bushy beard that helped the Red Sox win the World Series is staying in Boston.

Mike Napoli revealed Friday night that he has agreed to come back to the Red Sox.

"The beard is coming back to Boston!!! Couldn't be happier!!," Napoli informed fans via Twitter.

The Red Sox haven't officially signed Napoli, but reports indicate it's a two- year, $32 million pact.

In his first season in Boston, Napoli hit .259 with 23 home runs and 92 RBI. The 32-year-old, who spent the majority of his time at first base last season, drove in seven runs during the playoffs in 2013.

The move came the same week the Red Sox lost outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury to the AL East rival New York Yankees on a reported seven-year, $153 million deal.