Ryan Ludwick’s deal with the Cincinnati Reds official now – MLB News
It is official now.
Free-agent left fielder Ryan Ludwick on Monday, December 10, signed a two-year, $15 million deal – coupled with a mutual option to return, with the Cincinnati Reds. Rumours had been making rounds for quite a while about the contract, as the fans awaited
the final confirmation eagerly.
It was earlier this year that the left fielder had signed a one-year contract, worth $2 million, with the Cincinnati Reds. As the season proceeded, Ludwick emerged as one of the instrumental batters, prolifically contributing both defensively and offensively.
With the confirmation of the contract on Monday, this fact was officially acknowledged. It is to be added here that Ludwick earlier had other offers as well after he declined the $5 million contract option for the next season.
However, it appeared the right time for him to re-sign.
"Ryan was very important to our success last year, and we're looking to keep that momentum going into next season," general manager Walt Jocketty said. "He and his agents made it clear he enjoyed his time here last season and that he wanted to continue to
play in Cincinnati. We know he had other offers, and we're glad we were able to reach an agreement to bring Ryan back for at least two more years."
In 915 career games, the 34-year-old player has .263 average, having won Silver Slugger Award in 2008; smashing 143 home runs and 530 RBIs. The previous season was one of his best wherein he had .275 average in 125 games, hitting 26 home runs and 80 RBIs.
Consistency that Ryan Ludwick exhibited throughout the season, making it a wonderful comeback, prompted the Cincinnati Reds to go for the deal.
"I felt like in this environment and this ballpark he'd do well and he did," Jocketty said. "And I think he realizes that and was a reason he came back."
Offensively, the Reds did remarkably well throughout the regular season, eventually winning the National League Central title. With the right combination at their disposal again, the Reds seem poised to capitalize on the offensive strength in MLB `13.
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