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Tigers agree to deal with Brayan Pena, designate Matt Hoffman for assignment

The Detroit Tigers signed Brayan Pena to a one-year deal, making him the primary backup to Alex Avila.

By James Brady
Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

The Detroit Tigers agreed to terms on a one-year contract with catcher Brayan Pena on Monday, according to Brian Britten on Twitter. To make room for Pena, the team designed left-handed pitcher Matt Hoffman for assignment.

Pena is likely to see playing time as the immediate backup to Alex Avila, filling the void left by veteran Gerald Laird. Bryan Holaday was slated to be Avila's top backup prior to the signing, so he'll likely be headed back to Triple-A.

Pena is a switch hitter who batted .235 with 10 doubles, a triple, two home runs and 25 RBIs in 68 games last season. He also had a .320 mark with runners in scoring position.

He spent last season with the Kansas City Royals, the team he joined in 2009 after four years with the Atlanta Braves. Kansas City elected not to offer Pena a contract for the 2013 season.