The Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday declined Ryan Howard's option for the 2017 season and almost certainly closed the door on his time with the franchise.
The club paid Howard a $10 million buyout instead of picking up the option, which was worth $23 million.
He tied for the club lead in 2016 with 25 home runs, but also hit a career-worst .196.
Howard, who turns 37 on Nov. 19, has played all 13 of his major league seasons in Philadelphia. He was named the National League MVP in 2006 when he set career bests in home runs (58), RBIs (149) and batting average (.