Ryan Ludwick returning to Reds
Outfielder agrees to two-year deal
CINCINNATI - Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Walt Jocketty today announced the signing of free agent OF Ryan Ludwick to a 2-year contract through the 2014 season with a mutual option for 2015.
Ludwick, 34, in 125 appearances last season for the Reds hit .275 with 26 home runs and 80 RBI while making a team-high 107 starts in left field.At 2:30 p.m. he will be available on the third floor of the administration building at Great American Ball Park.
"Ryan was very important to our success last year, and we're looking to keep that momentum going into next season," 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 2 more years."
In 2012, Ludwick was a finalist for the Players Choice Comeback Player of the Year Award and tied the club record for fewest errors in a season by a left fielder (1). As the Reds battled for the National League Central Division title, in his last 80 games of the season he hit .313 with 18 HR and 53 RBI, including .421 in his last 57 at bats with runners in scoring position.
While Joey Votto missed 48 games with an injury in August and September, Ludwick led the Reds in hitting (.340), home runs (12, tied with Jay Bruce) and RBI (36).