At one time, Ryan Howard was among the more feared hitters in baseball. He won the National League MVP Award in 2006 and was a perennial threat to hit 40 or more home runs. Then, during the 2011 playoffs, Howard suffered an Achilles injury and hasn’t quite been the same player since.
Back in 2014, Howard signed a massive contract extension with the Phillies, one he has has had a hard time living up to the value of. Because of both the contract and Howard’s performance since signing, Philadelphia has essentially been stuck with him as finding a trade partner has proven difficult.
The 36-year-old is scheduled to make $25 million this season. The team holds a $23 million option for next season or they could pay Howard a $10 million buyout. Instead of either of those scenarios taking place, Philadelphia Daily News columnist Stu Bykofsky wants the first baseman to retire at the end of the season. On Friday, Bykofsky penned a lengthy open letter, citing his reasons. Here’s an excerpt:
Retire at season’s end. Please.
Despite what you say, and probably believe, you can’t hit lefthanders. You chase low and away pitches with the enthusiasm I chase a cold beer. The difference is, I get the cold one.
Every successful athlete must have a solid core of confidence. I get that. But believing that at 36 you can capture the magic of 26 is delusional. Reflexes slow. Age is kryptonite to the Supermen of Summer.
Bykofsky makes a good point about Howard’s place in Phillies lore being secure and that his uniform number will probably be retired some day. What happens this season or (possibly) next season won’t affect that. Bykofsky, like many around Philadelphia, is appreciative of what Howard and the 2008 team did for the city. However, it’s now in the rear view mirror and that Ryan Howard isn’t coming back.
It likely won’t be because of Bykofsky’s letter, but 2016 may be the last time we see Ryan Howard with a major league team. The Phillies almost certainly won’t pick up his option and it’s tough to see another team bringing him in for 2017. At the end of the season, Bykofsky should see his wish come true.
H/T Big League Stew
