Watch CBS News

Despite Host Of Moves, Tigers Have Yet To Make Decision On Avila

By Dan Jenkins
@DanTJenkins

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) -- The Detroit Tigers announced a good amount of personnel moves on Friday, as Dave Dombrowski & Co. gear up for another busy offseason.

The team reached out to free agents Victor Martinez and Max Scherzer, offering a one-year qualifying offer to both. The Tigers also picked up the option on reliever Joakim Soria, while outrighting Don Kelly and Evan Reed to the minor leagues (most likely making them free agents), and letting Andy Dirks and Pat McCoy get picked up on waivers.

One issue that the Tigers still need to address is catcher Alex Avila and his health, along with his performance. The Tigers did not announce what the team's decision will be and have just 20 days to mull over the catcher's future.

Jason Beck wrote at MLB.com:

"Still to be decided is a $5.4 million club option for catcher Alex Avila, who would otherwise be eligible for arbitration. Since Avila isn't eligible for free agency, the Tigers have until Nov. 20 to pick up or decline the option."

Avila has had a recent history of concussion issues, stemming from the beatings he takes from foul balls while behind the plate. Since playing a career-high 141 games in his 2011 All-Star campaign, Avila has played 116, 102 and 124 games during the last three years, respectively.

Avila batted .229 with 31 home runs, 142 RBI from 2012 through 2014 after posting a .295 average, 19 home runs and 82 RBI in 2011.

Catchers who are scheduled to be free agents this winter include Russell Martin, Geovany Soto, Gerald Laird and A.J. Pierzynski.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.