Breaking Down Ryan Howard’s Options

(Ross D. Franklin/AP)

It is no secret that Phillies’ first baseman, Ryan Howard, is struggling. Over the last four years, Howard has been one of the worst hitters in baseball, including is .160 average so far this season. There is plenty of speculation as to why the former MVP has declined so quickly. It could be age, it could be a lack of talent around him, it could be a bad Achilles. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear. The Phillies and Ryan Howard have a decision to make.

Before the season began, there were four options for Howard and the Phils. Howard could retire, be traded, be released or play out the season and ride off into the sunset. Now, it seems as if there are only three possibilities remaining. A trade, even for little return, would be almost impossible giving Howard’s performance so far this season. This, in addition to his massive $10 million dollar buyout at the end of his contract, makes a move improbable.

That being said, let’s examine the three remaining possibilities for the 3 time All Star.

Phillies Release Ryan Howard

Given Howard’s poor performance, coupled with the emergence of Tommy Joseph, it would not be surprising to see the Phillies take matters into their own hands. Philadelphia’s new front office has already shown that they are not afraid to make moves to help the ball club. However, there still seems to be a soft spot for Howard. He has been given every possible opportunity to prove himself and has come up short. No one would fault the Phillies organization for releasing the big man but the team is hesitant to do so. The problem is more about respect than it does about performance at this point. Ryan Howard has provided the Phillies organization and fans with many great memories over the years and, although a possibility, the likelihood that the Phillies would release one of their main pieces of the 2008 World Series title midseason is highly unlikely.

Ryan Howard Retires

Although to the chagrin of many Phillies fans, Ryan Howard will not retire midseason. He has too much to lose. The former home run derby champion still has $15 million left on his contract for the remainder of the season. Think it’s crazy to walk away from that much money? You’re right and it gets crazier. Not only does Howard still have $15 million remaining on his contract for 2016, he will also receive a $10 million buyout when the Phillies do not pick up his option this offseason. So before you think Ryan Howard is going to pull a Mike Schmidt and retire mid season, think to yourself “Would I walk away from $25 million?” The answer is a resounding no

Ryan Howard Finishes the Season as a Phillie

This is the most likely situation of the three situations. Ryan Howard playing out his contract is essentially a combination of why the other two possibilities(Respect and Money) are unlikely to happen. As I mentioned previously, respect plays a big part in this decision. To cut such an infamous player, and one of the greatest Phillies of all time, would be an insult to everything he has given Philadelphia. Howard helped to bring Philadelphia it’s first championship in 28 years and he will be given the opportunity to leave on his own terms this includes earning the $25 million left on his paycheck. Think of it as a parting gift, a fond farewell and thank you for all of the good times.

The struggles of the last four years lay fresh in the minds of all Phillies fans. These struggles have made hard to look back and remember those great years Ryan Howard had in red pinstripes but the memories are there. Howard is no longer that player, we know that, but those memories will always be in our minds and our hearts. So, when that time comes, and Ryan Howard puts on that Phillies uniform for the last time, Philadelphia will stand and applaud. The city will forget the hard times and join together to salute one of the best players in Phillies’ history.