The Philadelphia Phillies have officially exercised their $5 million club option on catcher Carlos Ruiz for the 2013 season, per the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Phillies exercise Carlos Ruiz’s $5 million option
The backstop will stay in Philly at least one more year.
Harry How
The 33-year-old backstop had a career year in 2012, hitting .325/.394/.540 with 16 home runs in 114 games, good for a 149 OPS+. Ruiz had never slugged above .450 prior to this season, so some regression is likely for next year, but $5 million will be a steal for the Phillies if the veteran can maintain even average production next season.
Next season will be Ruiz’s eighth with the Phillies. He struggled offensively in his first three seasons with Philadelphia, but has come into his own over the last four, averaging an OPS+ of 122 by hitting .292/.380/.448 with 39 home runs and 204 RBI.
All teams must make their decisions on whether to buy out or pick up 2013 player contract options within three days of the end of the World Series.
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