ESPN reports the Reds have exercised Adam Dunn’s $13MM club option. This is expected and activates a full no-trade clause for Dunn through June 15th. As Tim noted here, he’ll then have the option to choose 10 clubs to which he can be traded.
MLBTR readers were more or less unanimously in favor of Dunn’s return. 40 homers at $13MM seems a no-brainer to me. He’s a patient hitter and the Reds’ most potent bat. At that price, if the Reds do intend to deal him they will find ample value. But don’t forget that Reds CEO Bob Castellini told the Cincinnati Enquirer that the possibility for an extension exists.
The Reds were feeling decisive today and also brought back Scott Hatteberg ($1.84 million option) and Javier Valentin ($1.35 million option) while declining Eddie Guardado’s option. Both options exercised make sense for the Reds at those bargain basement prices.
