Avila Re-Signs with Detroit, Avoids Arbitration

Dave Dombrowski stays perfect on arbitrator-less talks with his team.

On Friday, Alex Avila agreed to a one-year, $4.35 million deal with the Tigers. The hometown talent is the last of six Tigers who called for an arbitrator back in mid-January. General Manager Dombrowski continues his perfect seven year streak of not needing a third party to settle salary disputes with players.

Avila’s deal also has a $5.4 million option for 2015 which, according to ESPN, Avila will receive if he makes the All-Star team or the top 10 in MVP or Silver Slugger voting in 2014. A .227 hitter in 2013 with only 11 home runs, Avila will need to boost his numbers to receive the option in the year ahead.

The catcher for Detroit was both an MVP all-star and Silver Slugger in 2011 when he posted a .295 average with 19 homers and 82 RBI’s. Avila’s numbers have fallen both at the plate and behind it. When catching in 2011, Avila threw out 40 players stealing in 2011 compared to just 15 in 2013. His caught stealing percentage, or CSP, dropped from a .320 to .170 in two years.

The Tigers already grew thin in the catching area, with their when they lost of Brayan Peña to the Cincinnati Reds. Avila may need to step up his playing time from his mere 102 games played in 2013.


Richie Cozzolino is the host of Tiger Talk for Impact Sports.

Photo: Detroit Tigers