Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies picked up the 2013 option on the contract of catcher Carlos Ruiz on Monday.
Ruiz, who could have been bought out at $500,000, is instead in line to make $5 million next season.
Ruiz led all Philadelphia regulars with a .325 batting average, along with 16 home runs, 32 doubles and 68 RBI in 114 games last season. The native of Panama was rewarded with his first All-Star selection for his effort.
In his seven-year pro career, all with the Phillies, Ruiz is a .275 hitter who has hit 52 homers, 153 doubles and drove in 299 runs in 733 games.
In addition, the club declined contract options on pitcher Jose Contreras, infielder Ty Wigginton and third baseman Placido Polanco.
Contreras, who had a $2.5 million option, will be bought out for $500,000. The 40-year-old Cuban hurler was limited to 17 games last season, going 1-0 with a 5.27 earned run average.
Wigginton, who had a $4 million option on his deal, was also bought out for half-a-million. The 35-year-old utilityman hit .235 with 11 homers, 11 doubles and 43 RBI in 125 games in 2012.
Polanco had a $5.5 million mutual option remaining on his deal, but was bought out for $1 million. The 37-year-old hit .257 with 15 doubles, two home runs and 19 RBI over 90 games last season.
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