The Baltimore Orioles have exercised their 2013 option on pitcher Luis Ayala, and declined third baseman Mark Reynolds' option. Ayala will now earn $1 million in 2013, instead of a $100k buyout. Reynolds will receive a $500k buyout, instead of the $11 million salary for 2013. However, Reynolds is still under team control through the arbitration process.Ayala signed a contract with Baltimore after the 2011 season, and had a great 2012 season, posting a 2.64 ERA in 66 appearances. He served mostly as the team's setup man, and helped make Baltimore's bullpen one of the best in the game.
Reynolds came over to the Orioles two off-seasons ago in a trade that sent pitcher David Hernandez to Arizona. In 2012, he hit .221 with 23 home runs and 69 RBI in 538 plate appearances.
Analysis: Ayala is a good pitcher and Baltimore really wants to keep its strong bullpen intact so this move makes sense. If he can repeat his success, he'll be a steal. As for Reynolds, this shouldn't be surprising even though he had a successful 2012 season for the most part. $11 million is quite a bit of money to pay for a below average corner infielder, but I expect the Orioles to keep him through the arbitration process.
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