Ryan Howard Signs Minor League Deal With Braves
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Ryan Howard has finally found a new team.
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The Atlanta Braves have signed the former Phillies first baseman to a minor league deal, the team announced on Thursday.
#Braves agree to terms with Ryan Howard to a minor-league contract: pic.twitter.com/duVGQ4Ecz1
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 6, 2017
MLB Network's Jon Heyman, who reports Howard's deal is worth $700,000, sees him potentially serving as a bat off the bench off the bench for the Braves.
Howard gets 750K if in majors (tho he doesnt need the loot)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 6, 2017
ryan howard signs minors deal with braves. see him as lefty bat off bench, which needs upgrading
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 6, 2017
ryan howard could also be used in interleague games by braves. also, a plus if freeman gets hurt ("god forbid")
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 6, 2017
Howard will go to extended Spring Training and then will join their Triple-A affiliate.
Howard, 37, was a 2001 fifth-round pick of the Phillies, making his MLB debut in 2004. Howard is a three-time all-star first baseman, two-time home run champion, the 2006 NL MVP, and a World Series champion.
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Last year, in his last season with the Phillies, Howard hit .196 with 25 homers, 59 RBI's, and 114 strikeouts.