On Wednesday, Reds left fielder Ryan Ludwick declined his end of a $5 million mutual option for 2013 and became a free agent.

Back in January, Ludwick signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract as a free agent with Cincinnati that carried a $500,000 buyout option.

The deal was a relative bargain, as Ludwick had struggled for much of 2010 and 2011. He used his one season with the Reds to revive his numbers, as he hit .275 with a .531 slugging percentage, 26 home runs and 80 RBIs in 125 games.

Ludwick, 34, also became a veteran leader in the clubhouse and was a big part of the club's successful National League Central-winning season. His contributions were most vital while Joey Votto was injured.

In 43 games while Votto was on the disabled list, Ludwick hit .340 with 12 homers, 36 RBIs and a 1.051 on-base-plus-slugging percentage.

Both the Reds and Ludwick have expressed interest in the past about him returning for 2013.