Detroit Tigers, Alex Avila reach one-year deal to avoid arbitration

Alex Avila Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Despite clearing the books on nearly all of their arbitration-eligible players over two weeks ago, the Detroit Tigers had been unable to come to an agreement with their catcher, Alex Avila.

That changed Friday evening when the long-awaiting, and expected, deal was signed.

This puts Avila at over his estimate from MLB Trade Rumors, who had slated him at around $3.7 million.

Sherman, of the New York Post, also stated that there is a 2015 vesting option for $5.4 million. If he becomes an All-Star, in the top 15 in MVP voting or is awarded the Silver Slugger in 2014, the option will kick-in. There is also a $200,000 buy-out.

This means only Andy Dirks received less than was estimated via MLB Trade Rumors for the Tigers arbitration candidates.

With Alex’s signing, no Detroit players are eligible for arbitration, but 26 remain unsolved throughout MLB.