Philly.com · Nov 3, 2016
Phillies officially end relationship with Ryan Howard
Clem Murray / Staff Photographer Ryan Howard acknowledges the standing ovation from the fans as he is taken out in the 9th inning of his last game as a member of the Phillies. Ryan Howard's 15-year relationship with the Phillies officially ended Thursday when the Phillies declined a $23 million option and he became a free agent.
The Phillies will pay Howard $10 million to buy out the 2017 option.
The team also declined an $9.5 million option on Charlie Morton, a righthanded starter who pitched in just four games for the Phillies before tearing a hamstring in April. Morton received a $1 million payment for his buyout.