Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila avoided arbitration on Sunday by re-signing with the Tigers for one year. His deal is reported to be worth $4.35 million. This turned out to be a late birthday present for Avila since he turned 27 on Wednesday.
Avila also has an option in 2015 for $5.4 million, according to ESPN. This option will be used if he makes the American League All-Star team or finishes in the top 10 in MVP or Silver Slugger voting.
Avila struggled last season with wrist and concussion injuries, according to DetroitFreePress. This greatly affected his performance in the first half, as he only hit .177 with six home runs and 21 runs batted in.
He turned it on in the second half though, hitting .303 with five home runs and 26 RBIs. He finished with a .227 average with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs in 102 games played.
Avila will look to return to his 2011 form where he broke out with a .295 average with 19 home runs and 82 RBIs. He made his first All-Star team with those numbers.
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