CINCINNATI — Veteran catcher Ramon Hernandez agreed Monday to a $3 million, one-year contract with the Reds after Cincinnati declined his $8 million option.

The deal includes a $3.25 million option for 2011 that would become guaranteed if Hernandez plays in 120 games next season. If he plays in fewer, the Reds do not have the ability to exercise the option.

Hernandez played in only 81 games last season because of a knee injury that required surgery in July. He hit .258 with 13 doubles, five homers and 37 RBIs. He also started at first base 18 times when Joey Votto was sidelined.

Cincinnati obtained Hernandez in a trade that sent Ryan Freel to Baltimore after the 2008 season.

He made $8.5 million last season, the final guaranteed year on his $27.5 million, four-year deal with Baltimore. His 2010 option had carried a $1 million buyout.