Ludwick to turn down 5 mil mutual option, still hopes to return to reds.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ryan Ludwick announced today that he will decline his 5 million dollar mutual option for the 2013 season. After a rough 2011 campaign that saw Ludwick play part of the season in San Diego and part of the season in Pittsburgh, Ludwick signed a one year deal worth 2.5mil to play for the Reds. Ludwick had a breakout 2012 season in which he batted .275 with 26 home runs and 80 RBI. He also posted an .877 ops. Ludwick said today that he will keep his options open but he hopes to work out a new deal with the reds.