DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers have agreed to a one-year contract with catcher Brayan Pena.
Pena had a .236 batting average with two homers and 25 RBIs in 68 games last season for the Kansas City Royals. He hit .320 in 50 at-bats with runners in scoring position last season. He has hit .248 with 14 homers and 98 RBIs over eight seasons with the Royals and Atlanta Braves.
The 30-year-old Pena will back up Alex Avila behind the plate.
Detroit president and general manager Dave Dombrowski said Monday the switch-hitting Pena will be a solid complement to Avila.
The Tigers also designated left-handed pitcher Matt Hoffman for assignment. He was 1-3 with a 3.69 ERA in 43 games at Triple-A Toledo last season.
