Outfielder Ryan Ludwick will turn down his side of the $5MM mutual option on his contract with the Reds, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports. However, the Reds will discuss a new deal with Ludwick in the hopes of keeping him in Cincinnati. Both sides are “very interested” and Ludwick would like a multiyear deal, Heyman reports.
Ludwick, 34, just completed his best season in years. He hit 26 home runs and posted a .275/.346/.531 batting line in 472 plate appearances as the Reds' left fielder. The one-year contract he signed with Cincinnati in February includes a $5MM mutual option for 2013 ($500K buyout).
He had a good not great year. Who can blame him for turning down the option and hoping he’ll score big in free agency. He’s 33 and is trying to go after his last big money contract. Looking at his career numbers, I’d be wary of granting him any kind of long term commitment or money.
He’s 34.
2 years/$17MM should be a fair deal for both sides.
Perhaps. I’d think his agents would use Cuddyer’s 3 year, $31.5MM deal as a reference point.
I was thinking more like 2 years/$12 million.
How is that a good deal for the Reds? Ludwick is like a .230 hitter with some pop
Didn’t he just hit .275 and isn’t he a .263 career hitter?
Okay .230 is a bit low, lets say .250. I would put money on it that he hits below .265 next year. Either way he was streaky this past season and had some awful stretches. No way is he worth 2/17.
OPS’d .997 for the middle 3 (THREE) months of the season. Yeah, I’d take 3 month hot streaks from any player on my team.
So you are going to pay $8.5 million per year for two years because he had 3 good months?
That is the EXACT same thinking the Reds had with Jonny Gomes and look how THAT turned out….
His entire career he has been inconsistent. Even if you look at this past season he only had a good two months (July and August). Other than that he provides some power here and there with a low average. It would be a huge mistake if anyone actually offered him more than a year. I dont think hes even worth the $5million.
Aubrey Huff??
Get this one done! He more than earned a longterm deal with what he did this season. He is one of my favorite players and I hope to see him in the outfield for the next 2 or 3 years.
ludwick is the type of player the red sox used to get when they made wise decisions. they could use some pop in the order and if they cant get ortiz signed this could be a more financially friendly option at DH while still getting some production. doubt he hits the open market tho….