Alex Avila
Position: C
Bats/Throws: L/R
Age: January 29th, 1987
Traditional Stats: .207/.353/.421, 8 2B, 9 HR, 24 RBI, 68 K, 201 PA
Advanced Stats: 97 wRC+, .323 wOBA, 1.3 fWAR, 2.1 FRAA, 7 DRS
Alex Avila was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the fifth round of the 2008 MLB Draft. Avila’s father, Al, was actually the assistant general manager of the Tigers at the time and remained as such until he became their general manager in 2015.
Alex Avila quickly made his MLB debut, earning his promotion in 2009. He then experienced a breakout season in 2011, when Avila made the lone All-Star appearance of his career. That season, Avila hit .295/.389/.506, with 19 home runs and 82 RBIs. He actually received some MVP votes that year, finishing 12th and won a Silver Slugger.
Avila spent the first seven seasons of his career playing for the Detroit Tigers until he became a free agent in 2016. His father chose not to pursue Alex’s services in free agency and he instead signed a one-year deal with Chicago White Sox. Avila had an injury-shortened season with the White Sox, which saw him lead the majors with the highest strikeout percentage (37.9%) against right-handed pitchers.
After his rough season with the White Sox, Avila returned to the Tigers on a one-year deal. Avila experienced a great bounce back season in Detroit, hitting .274/.394/.475, with 11 home runs in 77 games played. He was then traded at the deadline to the Chicago Cubs, and helped them win the NL Central and advance to the playoffs.
Avila has spent the last two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks after signing a two-year, $8.25 million deal in 2018. Avila really struggled in his first season with the Diamondbacks, hitting a dismal .165/.299/.304, with 90 strikeouts in just 194 at-bats.
This past season, Avila once again experienced a bounce back season, hitting .207/.353/.421. According to Baseball Reference, Avila had a 100 OPS+, indicating that he was a league average hitter, while providing above average defense behind the plate. Avila – would be paired with right-handed hitting Wilson Ramos – had a .774 OPS (and career .775) against right-handed pitching in 2019.
Contract
Alex Avila earned a multi-year deal with an average annual salary of just over $4 million the last time he hit free agency. The difference between then and now is that he was coming off a strong season where he hit .264/.387/.447 with 14 home runs and 49 RBIs.
After his great struggles in 2018, it is unlikely that the soon-to-be 33-year-old catcher will receive anything other than a one-year deal at this stage of his career. Avila is likely to sign a one-year contract at around $2 million.
Recommendation
Alex Avila would be a solid option for the New York Mets to sign in free agency, as he would compliment Wilson Ramos rather well. First off, Avila is a left-handed batter with 93 of his 103 career home runs coming against right-handed pitching.
Once considered a below average defender, Avila has been excellent behind the plate for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Over the past two seasons, Avila has been worth 13 defensive runs saved. He has also been an above average framer, posting a combined 7.8 FRM according to Fangraphs. Baseball Savant also ranked Avila in the 92nd percentile when it came to his pitch framing in 2019.
When it comes to finding a backup catcher for the 2020 season, Avila would be a very solid option. He won’t come at a significant cost and he brings the skills that the Mets require in that position.
