Alex Avila is returning to the Tigers, agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with his former club on Friday. A source confirmed to MLB.com's Jason Beck that the deal is worth $2 million. The club has not confirmed the terms of the deal.
Avila -- the son of Tigers general manager Al Avila -- was drafted by the Tigers in 2008 and played his first seven Major League seasons in Detroit before signing as a free agent with the White Sox last season. In 57 games for Chicago in 2016, Avila batted .213/.359/.373 with seven home runs and 11 RBIs.
"Alex provides us with the needed depth at the catching position," Al Avila said in a statement.
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Avila, who will be the backup to James McCann, slashed .242/.345/.397 with the Tigers from 2009-15. To make room for Avila on the 40-man roster, the club also designated right-hander Angel Nesbitt for assignment on Friday.
"Alex is a left-handed hitter who has some pop in his bat," manager Brad Ausmus said in a statement. "We like his ability to catch and throw, his familiarity with the organization and his leadership qualities, which makes him an asset to the ballclub."