MLB Free Agency: White Sox sign catcher Alex Avila to one-year deal
The Chicago White Sox have looked to a former division rival to address their catching needs in 2016, signing Alex Avila.
The Chicago White Sox enjoyed rather paltry returns from their catching corps during their disappointing 2015 season. After watching one half of the tandem depart via free agency, the Pale Hose moved quickly to fill the role with a potential upgrade.
Per a team announcement on Twitter, the White Sox have signed former Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million.
The #WhiteSox have agreed to terms with catcher Alex Avila on a one-year deal. pic.twitter.com/AdRLMjHX3k
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) November 25, 2015
In Avila, the White Sox land a solid veteran catcher with seven years of experience handling some of the best pitchers in baseball. In addition, Chicago adds a solid buy-low candidate at a position that lacks game changing bats.
In seven seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Avila has slashed hit just .242, but his career on-base percentage (.345) and slugging percentage (.397) are both above average for the position. His best season came in 2011, when Avila made his first and only All-Star appearance while hitting .295/.389/.506 with 19 home runs and 89 RBI at 24-years-old.
However in the four years since, Avila has struggled to remain healthy and watched his offensive production dip. He bottomed out in 2015 when he made just 67 appearances and while hitting .191. His .339 on-base percentage remained above par, but his season was sunk by a left knee injury and a 30.1% strikeout rate.
By adding Avila, the White Sox replace Geovanny Soto, who signed with the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. He’ll be paired with Tyler Flowers and hope to nurture the development of young starters Carlos Rodon and Erik Johnson.