CINCINNATI (AP) -The Reds picked up outfielder Adam Dunn’s contract option for $13 million on Wednesday, answering their most expensive offseason question by keeping their top power hitter.
The Reds also picked up the $1.85 million option for first baseman Scott Hatteberg and a $1.35 million option for catcher Javier Valentin, who has been their top pinch hitter the last two seasons.
They declined a 2008 option for reliever Eddie Guardado, coming back from reconstructive elbow surgery. Guardado pitched in only 15 games last season and would have made $3.5 million.
Even though they didn’t pick up the former closer’s option, the Reds are interested in bringing Guardado back next season.
Dunn is the only Reds player to hit 40 homers in four consecutive seasons. He batted .264 with 40 homers, 101 walks and 106 RBIs last season, when he made $10.5 million. Owner Bob Castellini said earlier this month that he wanted Dunn to return next season.
At $13 million, Dunn becomes the highest-paid player on the payroll. Ken Griffey Jr. will have a $12.5 million salary next season, the last guaranteed year on his contract.
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