REPORT: Former Detroit Tiger Alex Avila close to signing deal

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MLB: Texas Rangers at Detroit Tigers
Aug 21, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila (13) makes a throw to first in the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

If you are a fan of the Detroit Tigers, you certainly are familiar with the work of catcher Alex Avila. After all, he has spent all or part of eight seasons wearing the Old English ‘D’ including his first seven seasons in Major League Baseball.

Avila returned to Detroit in 2017 after spending a season with the Chicago White Sox but was then traded to the Chicago Cubs as the MLB trade deadline approached. He finished out the season in the Windy City but then became a free agent as his contract was up.

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Now, according to a report from AZ Central Sports, Avila is close to inking a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Diamondbacks are on the verge of a deal with free-agent catcher Alex Avila, according to a major league source, a signing that will fill a hole behind the plate created by Chris Iannetta’s departure earlier this offseason.

Terms of the deal are not yet known. The agreement is pending Avila undergoing a physical exam.

While with the Tigers in 2017, Avila showed that he still had some gas left in the tank as he batted .274 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs in 77 games. He cooled down a bit after being traded to the Cubs as he batted .239 with three home runs and 17 RBIs in 35 games.

Though Avila is only 31-years-old, one would have to believe that because of injuries, this could very well be the last stop in Major League Baseball.

We wish him the best of luck!

BONUS CONTENT: 

Detroit Tigers announce 22 non-roster invitees to Spring Training, including one surprise

The Detroit Tigers announced today that they have extended 22 non-roster invitations to Spring Training in Lakeland, Florida. Alex Faedo is the biggest name in the group.

Faedo is looking to make an impact in his first Spring Training, and he should be given every opportunity to make some noise. Faedo was drafted in the 1st round last year and has yet to pitch in a minor league game for the Tigers. He was the MVP of the College World Series last year with the Florida Gators, and many expect him to rise quickly through the farm system.

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