The Philadelphia Phillies are putting off their rebuild, at least a little bit longer, re-signing their all-star catcher Carlos Ruiz to a 3-year contract worth at least $26 million.
Ruiz, who turns 35 in January, will be paid $8.5 million per year in each of his next three years. The deal also includes a team option for a fourth season at $4.5 million, or a buyout at $500,000. In addition, if Ruiz starts 125 games in any of the next three seasons he receives a $500,000 bonus for that season.
Ruiz is coming off what must be considered a disappointing year. During the season he was given a 25-game suspension for a failed drug test (amphetamines). He also hit .268/.320/.368 with five home runs and just 37 RBIs. All that said, Ruiz was better in the second half of the year.
In 2012, Ruiz hit .325/.394/.540 with 32 doubles, 16 home runs and 68 RBIs. He made his first all-star game, and even garnered some MVP votes.
The Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays were also rumored to be after Ruiz this offseason.
Brian McCann, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and A.J. Pierzynski remain the top three catchers on the free-agent market. Dioner Navarro. John Buck, Jose Molina and Kurt Suzuki are also free agents this off-season.
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Main photo credit: Matthew Straubmuller via photopin cc
