Alex Avila

Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila reacts to being hit by a ball against the Minnesota Twins in the eighth inning in Detroit on Sept. 26.

(AP File Photo)

DETROIT -- The Arizona Diamondbacks are on the hunt for a new catcher, and new general manager Dave Stewart seems to have a couple replacements in mind.

One of those names happens to be the catcher for the Detroit Tigers, Alex Avila.

Stewart spoke to reporters Wednesday during the third day of winter meetings in San Diego and -- in an odd move -- reportedly identified Avila as a catcher who could be available on the trading block and a potential fit for the Diamondbacks.

Along with Avila, Stewart -- who was named Arizona's general manager in late September -- also identified Toronto Blue Jays catcher Dioner Navarro as a possible trade target, according to The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro.

The Diamondbacks are currently seeking a catcher after the club traded veteran Miguel Montero to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for two minor leaguers Tuesday.

Avila, 27, has been mentioned in several trade rumors this offseason, but Stewart's decision to publicly identify both Avila and Navarro as potential fits in Arizona is considered an odd move in the industry. It's generally not common practice for team officials to publicly discuss other team's players, in terms of being targeted for possible trades.

Avila, who will be a free agent next winter, had his team option picked up last month and will earn $5.4 million this season. A career .247 batter, he's coming off an injury-plagued season in which he hit a career-low .218 with a .686 OPS.

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo reported last month that the Tigers were willing to listen to trade proposals for Avila, which could suggest the Tigers have possibly considered an upgrade at catcher, perhaps due to Avila's injury history. Then again, general manager Dave Dombrowski may simply be exercising due diligence.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus addressed the club's catcher position Tuesday when he spoke with a group of reporters and suggested that playing time will likely be an open competition. As it stands today, it appears Avila and touted prospect James McCann are viewed as the leading candidates to secure roster spots.

"It's certainly open at this point," Ausmus said. "I think clearly Alex has shown that he has the ability to be an everyday type catcher. He works well with pitchers and pitchers trust him. But I also think that a guy like McCann has a very bright future. I really like the way he catches.

"So, the decision who's No. 1 and who's No. 2 won't be made until spring training, or even if there is a No. 1 or No. 2. Maybe there's just kind of a split."

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