The Detroit Tigers will pass on bringing back free agent Jarrod Saltalamacchia as their backup catcher, according to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press.
The 31-year-old Saltalamacchia hit just .171 in 92 games for the Tigers last season as a left-handed hitting option behind starter James McCann. Saltalamacchia was valued for his work with pitchers and served as a personal catcher to Matt Boyd.
With Saltalamacchia off the board, Fenech suggests the Tigers could look to bring back Alex Avila, the youngest son of Detroit GM Al Avila, who spent last season with the White Sox. In-house options to back up McCann include John Hicks, who spent much of this past season with Triple-A Toledo.
Three clubs are showing interest in the 31-year-old Saltalamacchia, Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reports.
-- Doug Mittler
