Reds rumors: Ryan Ludwick will decline option

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ryan Ludwick will decline his portion of his $5 million mutual option for the 2013 season, reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com:

Reds outfielder Ryan Ludwick will turn down his $5 million mutual option for 2013, but sources say the Reds will talk about a new deal to keep him in Cincinnati after his big season in 2012.

Heyman notes that the Reds are going to attempt to re-sign Ludwick and the outfielder is interesting in returning to Cincinnati. However, following his impressive 2012 campaign the 34-year-old will be seeking a multi-year deal.

Heyman calls the decision a "no-brainer" after Ludwick hit .275/.346/.531 with 28 doubles and 26 home runs over 422 at-bats for the Reds this season.

Ludwick signed a $2 million contract that included the mutual option with Cincinnati in January. He was able to be had at what’s become such a bargain price because of his struggles in 2011 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres. He only managed a line of .237/.310/.363 over 490 at-bats that year.

Ludwick owns a career line of .263/.334/.466 over 10 years in the majors.