White Sox agree to one-year deal for catcher Avila

The Chicago White Sox have reached a one-year deal with a former all-star catcher who was injured much of last season.

White Sox officials said Wednesday they have agreed to terms on a one-year, $2.5-million contract with free agent catcher Alex Avila, who played only 67 games with Detroit last season due to injury

Avila, 29, hit .191 with 4 home runs and 13 RBI in 2015 and spent nearly two months on the disabled list with a bone bruise in his left knee.

His career average is .242 in seven seasons with the Tigers, and he has thrown out 24.5 percent of attempted basestealers.

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

Avila's best season came in 2011 when he was an All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner, hitting .295 with 33 doubles, 19 homers, 82 RBI.