Guardians Secure Deal with Pedro Avila
The Guardians have reached an agreement with right-handed pitcher Pedro Avila for a one-year, split contract, as reported by Daniel Alvarez-Montes from El Extrabase. While the specific salary details for both major and minor leagues remain undisclosed, this contract provides strategic flexibility for the team.
Background on Pedro Avila
Pedro Avila, who will turn 29 next month, was previously designated for assignment by the Guardians less than a year ago. Following this, he joined Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball team, the Yakult Swallows. During his time in the Central League, Avila made 15 appearances, achieving a 4.04 ERA over 82 and one-third innings.
Performance Statistics
- ERA: 4.04
- Innings Pitched: 82.1
- Strikeout Rate: 17.8%
- Ground Ball Rate: 43.9%
- Walk Rate: 8.7%
- FIP: 3.09
- xFIP: 3.38
Despite mixed individual metrics, Avila showed an aptitude for minimizing home runs and hard contact, contributing to a favorable Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) score.
Career Overview
Avila started his professional journey by signing with the Washington Nationals as an amateur in 2015. He later developed within the San Diego Padres’ organization, making his major league debut in 2019. In the 2023 season, he performed as a swing man for the Padres, posting a commendable 3.22 ERA with a 3.67 FIP over 50 and one-third innings.
However, a challenging beginning to the 2024 season led to the Padres releasing him. The Guardians acquired Avila in mid-April 2024, where he quickly became a reliable long-relief option, pitching 74 and two-thirds innings with a 3.25 ERA and a 3.76 FIP during his tenure.
Contract Details and Future Outlook
Despite his solid performances, the Guardians surprisingly opted to cut Avila last winter. This decision may have been influenced by his lack of options, necessitating waivers for any minor league assignments. The split contract that Avila secured now allows for better management of his role within the team.
This structure guarantees a salary above the minor league rate while also ensuring a significant sum for major league appearances. Consequently, this move could deter rival teams from claiming him on waivers, offering Avila a better opportunity to remain with the Guardians and contribute to their bullpen.
As the Guardians navigate their pitching roster, Avila’s contract provides him a secure 40-man roster spot, facilitating potential movement between the major and minor leagues. The Guardians are poised to benefit from Avila’s experience, all while maintaining greater roster flexibility.
