Brewers slugger Ramirez accepts $14 million option for 2015

MILWAUKEE — Aramis Ramirez has accepted his half of the $14 million mutual option in his contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Milwaukee exercised its half of the option Friday, and the Brewers announced Ramirez's decision Monday. If the option had been declined, he would have become a free agent.

The 36-year-old third baseman is heading into his 18th major-league season. He earned $32 million over the first three seasons of the contract and would have received a $4 million buyout had the Brewers declined their half of the option.

Ramirez hit .285 with 15 homers and 66 RBI in 133 games this season.