Da Windy City
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Five remaining trade targets for the Chicago Cubs

By Dan Schmelzer

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 07: Alex Avila #31 of the Detroit Tigers hits a single in the first inning during a MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park on June 7, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 07: Alex Avila #31 of the Detroit Tigers hits a single in the first inning during a MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park on June 7, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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Alex Avila Detroit Tigers
DETROIT, MI – JUNE 07: Alex Avila #31 of the Detroit Tigers hits a single in the first inning during a MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park on June 7, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

3. Alex Avila, C, Detroit Tigers

As soon as the Chicago Cubs parted ways with catcher Miguel Montero, the Alex Avila rumors started to pop up. Avila would be a perfect left-handed hitting complement to Willson Contreras and is also a solid defensive catcher. The Tigers catcher is also considered to be a great clubhouse guy.

We saw how important having a veteran backup catcher was last season with David Ross. WIth Montero gone, the Cubs simply do not have that guy. Contreras is great but it would still be nice to have a veteran presence behind him. Victor Caratini is a talented player but he simply cannot provide the stability that a veteran catcher brings to the table.

As a part-time catcher with the Tigers, Avila is hitting a ridiculous .292/.420/.518 on the season. His 153 wRC+ (FanGraphs) makes him one of the most productive offensive players in the entire game. Avila has been absolutely incredible this season and his left-handed bat would be a welcomed addition to the Cubs lineup.

However, with his incredible offensive success, Avila will not be cheap to acquire. A part-time catcher who becomes a free agent at the end of the season is not going to bring in a huge price, but Avila’s numbers speak for themselves. The Cubs need to add a veteran catcher to the mix, but will they be willing to pay the price on Avila? I mean, it’s not like they want to take too many starts away from Contreras anyway. He has been incredible.

If the price is not ridiculous, I could see the Cubs making a move for Avila. In many ways, he the perfect fit for this team. However, they simply are not going to overpay for his services. It will be interesting to see if the Cubs and Tigers can make a deal. Detroit certainly has a lot of pieces that would make sense on the North Side.

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