Alex Avila Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz, Speculation Surrounding Tigers C

Alex Avila has been the subject of trade rumors, but the Tigers may be looking to retain his services after all. 

Continue for updates.

Monday, Nov. 17

Tigers Exercise Club Option on Avila

Detroit made the announcement on Twitter:

Thursday, Nov. 13

Avila's Name Surfaces in Trade Rumors

The offseason is only a few weeks old, but the Detroit Tigers have been very busy. The latest rumor for the defending American League Central champions involves catcher Avila being shopped around. 

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, with some help from Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe, the Tigers were talking potential trades for Avila:

Avila has been an All-Star catcher in the past, playing in the Midsummer Classic three years ago, but his career has been derailed due to concussion problems. There's been some concern about his long-term potential because of the injuries, though he told Chris Iott of MLive.com he'll be fine for spring training:

"

I've had three mild concussions in my career. I had a CT scan and an MRI checking my brain and my neck and the arteries leading to it, and everything checks out normal and healthy. And talking with the neurologist that examined everything, I shouldn't have any concern. It's like any injury -- you have to let it heal 100 percent.

"

While he probably needs more rest than a typical catcher, Avila can serve as half of a platoon situation against right-handed pitching, per these splits from James Stewart of 98.5 The Sports Hub:

The Tigers could be looking to cut some costs wherever they can. Avila is due to make $5.4 million after the Tigers picked up his option for 2015, which they had until November 20 to do, per Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press.

The Tigers have to figure out what they would do at catcher without Avila. Bryan Holaday was the backup last year but hit just .231/.266/.276 in 62 games last season.