The Cincinnati Reds remain in talks with free agent outfielder Ryan Ludwick, according to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The 34-year-old Ludwick turned down a $5 million mutual option at the end of the season and is seeking a multi-year deal.
Ryan Ludwick, Reds discuss contract
The Cincinnati Reds remain interested in bringing back the veteran outfielder, who turned down a $5 million mutual option after the season ended.
Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE
“We’ve been in contact (with the Reds),” his agent Dan Horwits said. “There’s interest on both sides. Hopefully, we can get something done. We’re talking to other clubs. He has offers from other clubs.”
Ludwick had a resurgent season with the Reds in 2012, hitting an impressive .275/.346/.531 with 26 home runs. He struggled the previous two seasons with the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates and signed a free agent deal with the Reds worth $2.5 million for 2012. He hit especially well in the absence of Joey Votto, who sat for two months with a knee injury. The Reds seem reluctant though to offer more than a two-year deal to the aging slugger, so he may be persuaded to sign elsewhere.
The Reds just recently signed closer Jonathan Broxton to a three-year deal worth $21 million, so there also may not be much room left in the budget to sign Ludwick.
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