Ryan Howard got a raise. He’s still one of the biggest bargains in baseball, though. The Philadelphia Phillies renewed the NL MVP’s contract Friday, giving the first baseman a $900,000 salary after the sides failed to agree on a long-term deal. The figure matches the highest base salary in a one-year contract for a player not eligible for arbitration
Howard, who had a $355,000 salary last year, said he was disappointed the sides couldn’t reach a long-term deal, but he’s ready to start the season.
Howard, who hit .313 with 58 home runs and 149 RBIs last season, switched agents during the offseason and is now represented by Casey Close.
The highest previous one-year contract for a player with less than two years of service had been awarded to Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, who made $690,000 in 2002.
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