Cincinnati Reds' Ryan Ludwick opts for free agency – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds' left fielder Ryan Ludwick has decided to opt for becoming a free agent as Wednesday, October 31, brought news of his declining the mutual option worth $5 million. The decision might have come as a surprise to many.
Reds would like to have retained the left fielder who remained one of the more consistent players this season. While the Reds could not eventually move past the National League Division Series, the offence remained solid.
Ludwick’s role, it goes without saying, was prominent in emboldening the team. All the same, just when Joey Votto – the Reds’ All-Star first baseman, was out of the line-up due to a knee injury, it was Ludwick that proved instrumental to fill the vacuum.
He hit .340, which included 12 home-runs and 36 RBIs, in the absence of Votto during 43 games. His on-base slugging percentage was also quite decent at that point in time, signifying the importance and instrumentality of the player.
Reds’ general manager Walt Jocketty hoped that the team will somehow find a way out when it comes to the contract with the left fielder.
"He wants more than one year," Reds' general manager said. "I talked to his agent last night and will talk again with him next week. Hopefully, we'll get something worked out."
It is pertinent to mention here that Ludwick had earlier signed a $2.5 million contract with the Reds in January. His contract had the option of a $500,000 buyout.
Given the consistency that he exhibited this year, the amount offered might seem quite small. However, when the offer was made, Ludwick was not at his best, struggling massively in two seasons (2010 and 2011).
Appearing in 125 games this season, he had 422 at-bats, having had 26 home-runs coupled with 80 RBIs, maintaining a consistent .275 average and a .531 slugging percentage.
With all that, it will now be interesting to see how both the Reds and Ludwick deal with whatever has transpired. The Cincinnati Reds, so it seems, will try to retain the player given his experience and the power that he brings to offence.
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