Ryan Howard has agreed to a $54 million, three-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies -- adding him to the list of ball players to avoid a potentially contentious arbitration hearing.
Howard, the 2006 NL MVP, led the majors with 48 homers and 146 RBIs last season while helping the Phillies win their first World Series title since 1980. He batted just .251, struck out 199 times and made 19 errors at first base, but also was runner-up to Albert Pujols for MVP.
"I'm happy to have this done and to know that I'll be in Philadelphia for at least another three years," Howard said Sunday.
Howard will earn $15 million this season, $19 million next year and $20 million in 2011.
The 29-year-old first baseman has less than four years service time in the majors, so he wasn't eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season. Now the two sides won't have to worry about any more arbitration hearings.
"We're very pleased to have avoided the arbitration process, not just for this year, but also for the next two," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "Ryan is clearly one of the top power hitters and run producers in the major leagues and is a very important part of our championship club."
The Phillies have avoided arbitration with all 10 of their eligible players, including ace left-hander Cole Hamels, who they gave a $20.5 million, three-year contract.
