FORT MYERS, Fla. — If you’re looking for a reason to be optimistic about the Red Sox moving Hanley Ramirez to first base, perhaps it’s a good omen that he’s using a glove donated to him by Mike Napoli.

In 2013, Napoli made the switch to first base and after working hard in spring training became an above-average defender.

Now it’s Ramirez’s turn, and he is confident it will work out.

“I feel comfortable,’’ he said after reporting to camp Wednesday. “I’m really excited to be here.’’

Ramirez arrived six days prior to the deadline for position players to report. He took batting practice and then fielded some throws at first base before taking ground balls for about five minutes.

Ramirez has been working out on a field near his home in Miami for several weeks with mental skills coach Laz Gutierrez, a former scout and minor league coach. Ramirez is expected to start working with infield instructor Brian Butterfield Thursday.

It was Butterfield who tutored Napoli.

“He has the magic,’’ Ramirez said. “I’m happy to be going out there and working with him.’’

Ramirez, 32, a career shortstop, moved to left field last season after the Red Sox signed him to a four-year, $88 million deal. He proved to be one of the worst defensive players in the game and in early May suffered a shoulder injury when he crashed into a wall at Fenway Park chasing a fly ball.

“I’m really happy to be back in the infield,’’ Ramirez said.

After hitting for average (.293) and power (10 home runs) in April, Ramirez tailed off quickly and ended the season with a .717 OPS and 19 home runs (the last on July 11).

He ended the season on the disabled list with inflammation in his right shoulder.

“Last year was a horrible year,’’ said Ramirez. “Not [just] for me. We didn’t go to the playoffs. Like I always say, it’s not one person.’’

Ramirez spoke to reporters for about 10 minutes after his workout and was in good spirits. Asked what his offensive goals were, he artfully dodged the question.

“Clinch as early as we can,’’ he said. “That’s my goal. Clinch and go from there.’’

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski sent Ramirez into the offseason with instructions to return in better condition after bulking up his upper body last season.

Ramirez listened. He is thinner across the shoulders and appeared more fluid as he took ground balls.

“That was our plan from the end of the season last year, to get more athletic,’’ he said.

Ramirez acknowledged that the position switch would be a challenge.

“A big one,’’ he said. “I’ve had a lot of good stuff, negative stuff. We’ve just got to take the positive stuff. Put it on me and go out there and do my job.

“Stay healthy, that’s the key. Stay healthy. Pretty much I didn’t have an offseason. I’ve been working and I feel really good and stronger.’’

Ramirez said footwork around the bag would be important. His goal is to be reliable for the other infielders. As a former shortstop, he understands the importance of a first baseman being able to dig out throws.

“I just want to make my infielders comfortable,’’ he said. “Catch the ball and throw it. That’s the main key right now. Not have any cares in their mind where they have to throw the ball.

“I told [shortstop Xander Bogaerts], ‘Throw the ball in this area and you’ll be fine. Don’t worry, I got you.’ ’’

After a 78-84 season, the Red Sox improved the roster by signing lefthander David Price and trading for closer Craig Kimbrel.

“He’s a fighter,’’ Ramirez said of Price. “He’s a competitor. He’s unbelievable. When he’s on the mound, he’s not a joke.’’

But the season could turn on whether Ramirez and third baseman Pablo Sandoval can rebound from their poor first seasons in Boston.

First base could be a temporary stop for Ramirez. With David Ortiz set to retire after the season, Ramirez could take over as designated hitter.

“It’s too early for that,’’ said Ramirez. “I think what David did at that position is going to be hard to copy. I just try and copy him and the good things he does on and off the field.’’

Ramirez joked to reporters that he could stay at first base long-term if he wins a Gold Glove.

“Definitely,’’ he said. “It would be nice. For you guys.’’

.   .   .

Kimbrel reported to camp and had his first workout on the field. Thursday is the official report date for pitchers and catchers . . . Righthander Joe Kelly was excused from camp pending the arrival of his first child. Knox Joseph Kelly arrived on Wednesday. The baby and mom Ashley are doing fine.

Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @peteabe.