Report: Reds decline $9M option on Ludwick

The Cincinnati Reds have reportedly parted ways with Ryan Ludwick by declining his $9 million team option and buying him out for $4.5 million, according to Chris Cotillo of MLBDailyDish.com.

Ludwick - a year removed from shoulder surgery - struggled at the plate in 2014, slashing .244/.308/.375 with nine home runs and 45 RBIs.

The 36-year-old said in late September that he hoped to return to the majors to play a 13th season in 2015, but acknowledged it will likely be in a reserve role. 

"I'm getting older," Ludwick told John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "If I'm playing next year, it will probably be in a lesser role - whether it be a guy off the bench or platoon guy or whatever it might be. I definitely want to try to keep playing."