Detroit Tigers Exercise $5.4 Million Option on Alex Avila
The Detroit Tigers announced Monday that they have decided to exercise their team option on catcher, Alex Avila. Avila’s 2015 option is reportedly worth $5.4 million. Detroit had until Thursday to make a decision on Avila, but were able to formalize things a few days early.
The #Tigers today announced the club has exercised its option for the 2015 season on catcher Alex Avila.
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) November 17, 2014
“I’m happy they did (pick up the option), and I’ll be ready to go for next season.” – Avila
By picking up the option on Avila, the Detroit Tigers were also able to avoid paying $200,000 to buy themselves out and avoided paying the catcher arbitration.
Avila made $4.35 million in 2014, and the Tigers would have likely ended up paying Alex Avila close to what he’ll make next season had they decided to decline the option and let him go through the arbitration process.
More from Detroit Tigers
- Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
- Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
- 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings
- Javier Baez Listed Among Worst Contracts in MLB by The Athletic
- Tigers’ Interest in Kenta Maeda Could be a Disaster for 2024 and Beyond
Avila, 27, hit .218 with 11 home runs, 47 RBIs and a .686 OPS in 124 games in 2014. He has hit .247 with a .752 OPS in six seasons, all with the Detroit Tigers.
It is now likely that Alex Avila will be the starting catcher in Detroit when the 2015 season gets underway. It is also still likely that his name will continue to be brought up in Tigers trade rumors throughout the offseason.
When Detroit Tigers general manager, Dave Dombrowski was asked about Alex Avila and the trade rumors he had this to say, via MLive.com:
"“I wouldn’t get into any individual discussions,” he said. “I would say that when you’re at the general managers meetings, I was probably asked about every player just about that we have at one time or another.”"
A majority of people expected the Tigers to pick up his team option, but I also believe the Tigers will continue to try to trade the catcher. Look for it to happen at some point during the 2015 season as they still have to figure out who would replace him once he is gone.
For continued Detroit Tigers and Alex Avila news and analysis, stay logged into Detroit Jock City all offseason long. Also, give us a “like” on Facebook and a follow on Twitter with the links below!