Catcher Carlos Ruiz drew heavy interest in free agency but opted to return to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Ruiz and the Phillies agreed to three-year, $26 million contract with a team option for the fourth season. Ruiz will receive a buyout payment of $500,000 if the Phillies decline the option.
Ruiz turns 35 in January. He can also earn bonuses for starting 125 games in any season. Ruiz has only played as many as 125 games once in his MLB career.
The Boston Red Sox showed the most interest in Ruiz, who was one of the top offensive catchers on a crowded catching market that includes Brian McCann of the Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers’ A.J. Pierzynski and Jared Saltalamacchia of the Red Sox.
Ruiz served a 25-game suspension to begin the 2013 season. He tested positive for an amphetamine after a career year in 2012 when he hit .325 with 16 home runs and 68 RBI in 114 games. He hit .268 with five home runs and 37 RBI in 92 games.