Skip to main content

Phillies Sign Howard to 5-year Extension


No Phillie has ever signed a contract this large. Today, the Phillies announced that they've extended all-star slugger and former NL Most Valuable Player Ryan Howard with a 5-year $125 million guarantee. The deal could be worth as much as $138 million if the team exercises their option for a 6th year, in 2017.

The deal breaks down like this...
2012- $20 million
2013- $20 million
2014- $25 million
2015- $25 million
2016- $25 million
2017 option year- $23 million, with a $10 million buy out.

Based on those annual salaries, and with Howard making $19 million this season and slated to make $20 million in 2011, according to Yahoo!, Howard will not receive a significant increase to his base salary until the 2014 season.

The deal also includes a limited no-trade clause as well as some incentive and awards bonuses.

Last season, Howard became just the fourth player in Major League history to have four straight 40 homer/130 RBI seasons, joining Ken Griffey Jr., Sammy Sosa and Babe Ruth.

It remains to be seen how this investment by the Phillies effects the impending free agency of phan phavorite outfielder Jayson Werth, whose contract is done after the 2010 season. An all-star last season, who has become a perennial 20-20 guy (20 homeruns & 20 steals per season), Werth would like to stay with the Phillies but may have priced himself out of the team's desired range, especially when they have big dollar commitments to players like Howard, all-star second baseman Chase Utley and starting pitcher Roy Halladay...and even more so, when one considers the Phillies' top prospect is a right fielder, named Domonic Brown, who is a 5-tool guy that projects to reach that 20-20 plateau.

More updates on this story, as they become available.

--------------------------------------

Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE.

Comments

This Hit is Bananas... said…
Good signing. Lock him up!!
I feel like the Werth lovers will HATE this deal.
tina said…
The yankees of the national league...your philadelphia phillies!!!
Jay Floyd said…
I am hearing that Yankees comparison more and more lately.

I suppose it's a good thing.


This extension is good. He was bound to get more money if he went to free agency. Ryan Howard is an elite hitter in MLB...and he's a Phillie for 6 more years, guaranteed! That is reason to be happy for phans.

Popular posts from this blog

Prospect Nation 2012: #1 RHP Trevor May

With a massively impressive campaign in 2011 for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, right-handed starting pitcher Trevor May locked down his spot as Philadelphia's top prospect and is on the fast track toward the big leagues. He is the reigning Paul Owens Award winner, given to the top pitcher and player in the Phillies' developmental system each year. In 27 starts with the Threshers in 2011, May posted a 10-8 record with a 3.63 ERA, while striking out a Florida State League leading 208 batters in 151 1/3 innings. He also held opposing hitters to a .221 average. The Phillies' 4th round draft pick from 2008, May earned the win in the 50th annual Florida State League All-Star Game at Bright House Field last year. He also was twice named FSL Pitcher of the Week and earned Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month honors for June. After signing with Philadelphia, May helped lead the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies to a championship in 2008. In 5 regular ...

PhoulBallz Interview: RHP Prospect Brody Colvin

Recently, right-handed pitcher Brody Colvin was promoted from Class A Advanced Clearwater to Double-A Reading. Prior to the 2012 season, Colvin, who turns 22-years-old on Tuesday, was ranked as PhilliesNation's 6th best prospect . This season, following some ups and downs, it's unclear where Colvin will rank next preseason. Earlier this year, Colvin, a Louisiana native, was removed from Clearwater's starting rotation and moved to the bullpen to relax and improve his mental approach. He did so and returned to starting after a brief time. Through his first two outings with the R-Phils, the 7th round draft choice from 2009 posted a 1-0 record while allowing five earned runs in 11 innings (4.09 ERA). In his last start on Saturday, however, Colvin allowed eight earned runs in 2 2/3 innings pitched in a loss to New Britain. In a recent interview with Brody, he spoke about the transition moving to the Eastern League, his brief bullpen stint, physical concerns from last season...

Prospect Nation 2016: #9 Catcher Jorge Alfaro

Alfaro, image- USA Today Acquired as part of the the return for Cole Hamels and Jake Diekman from Texas last summer, catcher Jorge Alfaro quickly became one of the Phillies' most promising young talents. With a powerful bat and outstanding skills behind the dish, Alfaro could become a fast moving performer for his new organization. Originally signed by the Rangers for a reported $1.3 million in 2010 at the age of 16, the Colombia native would make his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League that same year. In 48 games, the righty hitting Alfaro posted a .221 average and a home run along with 23 RBI. The following year, with Class A short-season Spokane, the talented youngster tallied a .300 average with six homers and 23 RBI. In 2012 with full season Class A level Hickory, he batted .261 with five home runs, 34 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 74 contests.