Tigers exercise option on catcher Alex Avila

Detroit Tiger's catcher Alex Avila

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers have exercised their option one catcher Alex Avila, extending him through the 2015 season. Avila will make $5.4 million during the one-year deal.

The Tigers were reportedly listening to trade offers for Avila over the offseason, as the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox were said to be interested in the left-handed bat.

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Avila struggled through his worst offensive season in 2014, hitting a career low .218 with just 47 RBI and striking out 151 times. He also battled injury concerns as foul balls off of his mask caused concussions.

The Tigers, along with Avila's father Al, assistant GM in Detroit, were concerned about the health of their catcher going forward.

The 27-year-old Florida native is one of the top defensive catchers in the game, throwing out 33.6 percent of base stealers (second in the MLB -- Brian McCann) and posting the second best defensive WAR in the AL behind Kansas City's Salvador Perez.

Despite the constant battle with head injuries throughout the second half, Avila finished the year with a .995 fielding percentage and committed just five errors in 122 games.

This move joins a host of news out of the Tigers' front office in the past week. The Tigers also brought back free agents Victor Martinez and Joel Hanrahan and traded for outfielder Anthony Gose.

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