Ranking the Chicago White Sox Off-Season Moves

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Alex Avila Signed to a One-year, $2.5 Million Deal

Feb 25, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Alex Avila (31) flips the ball during a workout at Camelback Ranch Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago White Sox decided to go with a platoon system this year at the catcher position. Along with Navarro, they signed Alex Avila to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Avila has a long history of injuries, but has been a solid contributor for the Detroit Tigers when healthy. He has made one all-star appearance in his career, back in 2009 when he hit .295 with an on-base-percentage of .389.

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However, last season Avila, once again, dealt with injuries, and as a result only played in 67 games for the Tigers. Avila finished the season with a career-worst batting average (.191) and slugging percentage (.287). His .339 on-base-percentage is not near his career-best, but was an improvement over the previous year’s.

Avila, like Navarro, is not someone who hits for power. He has never eclipsed 20 homeruns in a season, hitting 19 in 2009. That makes this signing, along with Navarro’s, a little concerning considering the Sox were one of the worst power hitting teams in the league last season. Although, you usually don’t get great power production from your catcher spot as it is.

He struggles against lefties, which is Navarro’s strength, so he’ll likely only see time behind the plate when the White Sox are against a right-handed pitcher. Avila owns a slash line of .251/.358/.423 against right-handed pitchers in his career, compared to a much worse .210/.299/.308 against left-handers. This is perfect though as Navarro and Avila both complement each other very well.

Defensively, Avila is solid from behind the plate but nothing spectacular. Avila threw out 34 percent of base runners last season, and also didn’t commit an error. However, he does have a tendency to allow a lot of passed balls. In 2012, Avila led the league with 10 passed balls, and followed it up with nine in 2013.

For only $2.5 million, Avila could turn into a steal. He won’t give the Sox the same production that he gave Detroit in 2009, but hopefully it’s a lot better than last season. The biggest key for Avila is his health. That has hindered his career and kept him off the diamond for long stretches. He’s a six-year veteran that is a great locker room guy and should be a nice fit for this ball club. Avila could be the catcher the White Sox have been searching for since A.J. Pierzynski left, or he could be a bust.

Next: Number 3: Mat Latos Signing

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