Major League Baseball starts its 2016 season on Sunday with players from eight Alabama high schools and six state colleges, including San Francisco Giants pitcher Jake Peavy (left), who’s heading into his 15th season as a big-leaguer.
After seven seasons with the Detroit Tigers, including an All-Star selection in 2011, the former Alabama standout signed a one-year contract with the White Sox in November. A left-handed swinger, Avila will platoon with Dioner Navarro behind the plate.
The former Faith Academy and Auburn standout won the American League MVP Award last season and signed a two-year, $28.