Published reports claim that the Los Angeles Dodgers are offering Manny Ramirez, the outfielder, a two-year contract worth an estimated $45 million.

The contract includes a $25 million pay-out for Ramirez for the 2009 season and a player option of $20 million for 2010. The offer comes as the Dodgers, and the rest of the league, open spring training.

During the off-season, Ramirez declined the Dodgers’ offer. The franchise hopes that the player option clause will give Ramirez more flexible options.

Ramirez, who is an unrestricted free agent, is coming off an eight-year contract with Boston worth $160 million. He was then acquired by the Dodgers. Ramirez was part of the LA team that went to the World Series, only to lose to Philadelphia.

Ramirez hit .396 with 17 homers and 53 RBI in 53 games in a Dodger uniform.