The World Champion Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to terms with first baseman Ryan Howard on a three-year, $54 million contract.
From Rotoworld.com:
Howard was a super-two player last year, so this merely buys out his remaining three years of arbitration. Still, it seems like a fine deal for the Phillies, considering that they’ll no longer have to fear what an arbitration panel might choose to award him. Howard made $10 million last year and asked for $18 million for this season. Had he won in arbitration again, he could have asked for something like $22 million in 2010 and $25 million in 2011. Instead, he’s opted to take just $18 million per year until he becomes eligible for free agency after 2011. He’s no bargain at that price, but the Phillies get him for a reasonable figure without having to lock him up beyond what figure to be his prime seasons.
If Howard continued to perform at a high level, his arbitration numbers would go through the roof over the next couple years. It’s nice to see a star work out a deal to stay with the same team.
