Howard Extends with Phils for $125 Million

Ryan Howard has agreed to nail his future career with Philadelphia until 2017, with a contract extension for five years worth $125 million. A good contract As soon as the contract was signed, Howard’s teammates teased the first baseman for favors, to which Howard simply laughed at. Ryan Howard is 30 years old and is set to make at least $20 million both in 2012 and 2013 and then $25 million each year from 2014 to 2016. For 2017, the Phillies have a club option worth $23 million, including a $10 million buyout. Casey Close, Howard’s agent, has said that the contract is actually a good one for him. According to Howard, the timing had just been right, and he was also comfortable with his teammates as well as with the city. For quite some time, Howard had wished he’d be a part of something he believed in, and he finally got his wish granted when he was offered the extension. The average salary for the extension is at $25 million, which is deemed to be the second highest, next to the $27.5 million average of Alex Rodriguez, for his 10-year contract all through 2017 with the Yankees. Eligibility for free agency There are several factors speculated which may have influenced Howard into accepting the deal but the one that stands out the most is that by 2011 season, he would have been qualified for free agency, when he will be turning 32. Jayson Werth, all-star right fielder, has been pleased for Howard, nonetheless he has expressed some concern as to how this might influence his chances of staying with the Phillies after the present season. Although Werth has had a few discussions with the team regarding an extension, the team had its hands full already with Howard’s contract extension. For this year, Werth is set to make $7 million, which accounts for the final season of his 2-year contract worth $10 million. Werth nonetheless believes that Howard’s contract extension is a commendable decision by the entire team. He believes Howard deserves the welcome seeing how he has performed during the last season, and taking into account his admirable skills. Werth is happy that the team decided to take on Ryan Howard. 2005 Rookie of the Year Howard was Rookie of the Year for 2005, at 25. A-Rod closed his first free-agent deal with Texas in 2001 at the same age, valued at $252 million. Howard is also the 2006 NL Most Valued Player, earning a total of $19 million for the current season. This is part of the 3-year $54 million deal that secures him a total of $20 million in 2011. Howard’s present deal could also affect Derek Jeter’s deal with the Yankees. In the same manner, St Louis Star Pujols’ subsequent contract with the Cardinals could also very well be affected. Jeter is in his last season for the $189 million, 10-year contract he has signed. For this year, Pujols is set to make a total of $16 million.