Carlos Ruiz returning to Phillies

Chris Branch | USA TODAY Sports

In a move that seemed in doubt just a week ago, Carlos Ruiz will re-sign with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to a Fox Sports report. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported the deal will be for three years and $26 million, with a $4.5 million club option for a fourth year.

Ruiz, who has spent his entire eight-year career with the Phillies, is a free agent. He reportedly had many suitors in free agency, including the Rockies, Red Sox, Yankees and others. The Denver Post reported earlier that the Rockies made a hard push for Ruiz's services, but that others were offering more money.

At 34, Ruiz still has plenty of value, especially behind the plate. Phillies pitchers consistently rave about Ruiz's game management. Ruiz also caught fire at the plate late in 2013 after a sluggish start, including a 25-game suspension for testing positive for Adderall.

In August and September, Ruiz hit .288 with a .343 on-base percentage, proving to be one of the Phillies' most consistent hitters as the forgettable 2013 season wound down. He had a career year in 2012, setting career highs in average (.325), on-base percentage (.394), OPS (.935), homers (16) and RBIs (68).

With Ruiz in the fold, the Phillies no longer have an opening at catcher, something they desperately need. Erik Kratz and Cameron Rupp will likely compete for the backup job.

Branch also writes for the Wilmington News-Journal