The Detroit News

Would the Tigers actually part with catcher Alex Avila?

It seems unlikely, given James McCann's inexperience at the major league level and Bryan Holaday's seeming inability to handle the workload required by a No. 1 catcher.

But trade talk regarding Avila is making news Thursday.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports wrote on Twitter that Avila is "being discussed in trades." Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe and the MLB Network wrote that the Red Sox and Braves are interested.

Avila told Tony Paul of The Detroit News that he's not paying too much attention to the trade rumors.

"The only thing I can control is getting prepared for next season," Avila said.

The Tigers hold a club option on Avila for $5.4 million for the 2015 season. If the Tigers decline it, Avila would be arbitration-eligible for a contract ranging from $4.1 million to $5.4 million. He then would be a free agent at the conclusion of the 2015 season.

Avila, 27, hit .218 with a .327 on-base percentage in 124 games for the Tigers last season. He has had multiple concussions in recent seasons but has been given a clean bill of health to continue behind the plate.