Ever since the Chicago Cubs parted ways with catcher Miguel Montero, one name has consistently been linked to the North Side. A few weeks ago MLB reporter Jon Morosi first connected the Cubs to catcher Alex Avila and it appears as though both teams are still trying to work out a trade.
There was a lot of talk that the Cubs and Detroit Tigers were discussing a trade for Justin Verlander, but the one thing that went under the radar was the Cubs were also asking about Avila. This was from July 3.
#Cubs inquired to #Tigers on availability of Justin Verlander and Alex Avila, sources say, but sides have not engaged in trade negotiations.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 4, 2017
Fast forward to July 18, and the Tigers and Cubs remain engaged in trade talks.
#Tigers, #Cubs staying in contact regarding possible Alex Avila trade; Avila's .938 OPS this year is best of any @MLB catcher (min. 100 PA).
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 18, 2017
As Morosi noted, Avila is having an outstanding season at the plate with the Tigers. The 30-year-old has played in 68 games this season, slashing .292/.420/.518, with 11 home runs. A great comeback season for the veteran catcher, who had a subpar 2016 campaign with the White Sox.
Avila is on a one-year deal worth $2 million. He’ll be a free agent after the season is over.
The Cubs aren’t desperate for a catcher because Willson Contreras has shown the ability to play at a high level, but I’m sure the team wants to avoid any burn out that could happen with Contreras. Currently, rookie Victor Caratini is backing up Contreras.
It looks like the Cubs and Tigers have been talking for a few weeks, but there might be a reason nothing has come to fruition as of yet. We’ve already seen the Cubs make a big deal for Jose Quintana, as Theo Epstein wasn’t hesitant in trading his No. 1 prospect, but Detroit’s asking price for Avila might be the hold up here.
Two executives from teams that have talked to the #Tigers said Detroit might have to drop its asking price to move some of veteran players.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 17, 2017
The Tigers are 42-49, six games back in their division and several of their players have been in trade rumors. We’re less than two weeks away from the trade deadline, so look for the Cubs to make one last push to get Avila.
