White Sox sign catcher Alex Avila

The Chicago White Sox made an upgrade to their catching position with the signing of Alex Avila on Tuesday. The White Sox signed the former all-star catcher to a one-year contract worth $2.5 million.

Avila, 29 was an all-star in 2011 with the Detroit Tigers and hit a career-high .295 during that season. Avila’s playing time has steadily decreased as he hasn’t eclipsed playing more than 130 games since 2011. Last season, Avila played in just 67 games and compiled a .191 batting average over 178 at-bats for the Tigers.

"“Alex gives us a veteran presence behind the plate who provides solid defense and a productive left-handed bat,” Rick Hahn, White Sox general manager, said in a statement per Chicago Tribune.  “He is a well-respected leader in the clubhouse who we believe will make us stronger.”"

The son of current Tigers general manager Al Avila, Alex Avila should give the team a formidable catching duo for the 2016 season. Avila played seven seasons with the rival Tigers and compiled a .242 batting average and an OPS of .742.

The White Sox chose not resign catcher Geovanny Soto, who signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday.