DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers announced Friday that catcher Alex Avila has been signed to a one-year contract.
Avila, 29, returns to the Tigers after playing for the Chicago White Sox in 2016. Avila played in 57 games with the White Sox and hit .213 with 19 runs scored, six doubles, seven home runs and 11 RBI.
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“Alex provides us with the needed depth at the catching position,” Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Al Avila said.
Avila was originally drafted by the Tigers in the fifth round of the 2008 draft.
“Alex is a left-handed hitter who has some pop in his bat,” Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. “We like his ability to catch and throw, his familiarity with the organization and his leadership qualities, which makes him an asset to the ballclub.”
A native of Hialeah, Fla., Avila attended the University of Alabama from 2006-08, earning First Team All-SEC honors as a junior in 2008. Avila resides in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., with his wife, Kristina, and their daughters, Avery and Zoey.
To create room on the 40-man roster for Avila, the Tigers have designated for assignment the contract of right-handed pitcher Angel Nesbitt.
In eight seasons at the major league level, Avila has posted a .240 (540x2253) batting average with 265 runs scored, 117 doubles, seven triples, 73 home runs and 293 RBI. Avila was a member of the American League All-Star Team and won an American League Silver Slugger Award as a member of the Tigers in 2011.