Tigers expected to decline Avila's option, still bring him back

The Detroit Tigers are likely to have Alex Avila behind home plate next season, though it's expected to be at a discounted rate. 

Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press is reporting that the Tigers intend to bring Avila back but are expected to decline his $5.4-million club option for 2015 in hopes of signing him for less. If Detroit does decline to exercise the option, the six-year veteran becomes arbitration eligible, not a free agent. 

Avila earned $4.15 million in 2014 and is expected to get a similar deal through arbitration. 

The 27-year-old struggled offensively last season while battling concussion issues that sidelined him on a pair of occasions and are a cause for concern moving forward. In 124 games, Avila hit .218/.327/.359 with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs. 

While Avila's batting average fell for a third consecutive season, the backstop does make up for his offensive woes with his defense, as he was named a Gold Glove finalist for his third season in a row.