Detroit Tigers reach agreement with catcher Alex Avila

The Detroit Tigers avoided arbitration with catcher Alex Avila Friday by signing him to a one-year contract worth $4.15 million, according to Joel Sherman.

The deal includes an option for 2015 worth $5.4 million, or a $200,000 buyout.

Avila rebounded from a terrible first half of the season and hit .303 with five home runs and 26 RBI after the All-star break in 2013.

Detroit hopes Avila can build on the second half of 2013 and recapture the consistency he showed during the 2011 season, which saw the young backstop appear in his first All-star game, win a silver slugger award and finish 12th in the American League MVP voting.

Avila's deal concludes the arbitration streak for Detroit, which avoided arbitration with several other key players earlier this month, including Cy Young award-winner Max Scherzer.

The busy off-season continues for General Manager Dave Dombrowski, who plans to field a more athletic team in 2014.

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