Reds Ryan Ludwick Declines Mutual Option

Ludwick has instead opted for the $500,000 buyout and free agency

Ryan Ludwick has officially declined his part of a $5 million mutual option with the Reds for 2013. The decision to decline the option by Ludwick was expected as he had indicated that would be his intention.

Ludwick is looking for a multi-year deal after hitting 26 home runs and posting a .275/.346/.531 batting line in 472 plate appearances with Cincinnati this past season.

There appears to be mutual interest in getting a deal done for Ludwick to continue his career in Cincinnati. Ludwick, 34, should also draw interest from other teams considering a fairly thin crop of corner outfielders on the market.

At 97-65, the Reds finished one game behind Washington for the best record in the National League. The Reds starting rotation returns for key members including,  Johnny Cueto, Bronson Arroyo,Mat Latos and Homer Bailey – all are under contract in 2013 as is most of the bullpen, which was a strength for the Reds this season.

Earlier this month the Reds extended the contract of manager Dusty Baker through 2014.