Detroit Tigers trade deadline predictions for the 2017 season
By Tim Boyle
Alex Avila is traded and becomes a key platoon player in another city
Will general manager Al Avila trade his son, Alex Avila? Sometimes fathers have to make some really tough decisions with their kids. This is one of them.
Avila is having a phenomenal year this season while splitting time with catcher James McCann. The left-handed hitting Avila is on a cheap one-year deal and very much up for sale. Is there a match around MLB?
The most difficult part in trading Avila is not too many competitive teams need a catcher. Jonathan Lucroy of the Texas Rangers could also become available. While Lucroy carries the better career, Avila is having the far greater season and would not cost as much in terms of prospects or cash. This could work to the Tigers’ advantage. Plus, there’s no family guilt associated because Avila could always return to the Tigers next season.
The best place for Avila is anywhere he could hit in a platoon with a right-handed catcher. Several teams could look to upgrade including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Indians, and Washington Nationals. It’s unlikely Avila lands a starting job anywhere as he is still limited. This doesn’t mean Detroit is stuck with him for the rest of 2017 as he puts up gaudy numbers for a losing baseball team.