The Philadelphia Phillies made a long-expected move Thursday, as announced they have declined the 2017 club option on first baseman Ryan Howard's contract, making him a free agent.
According to Spotrac, the Phils would have had to pay Howard $23 million next season had they exercised their club option, but they instead decided to buy him out for $10 million.
The 36-year-old veteran was honored by the Phillies prior to their final game of the 2016 regular season in a move that signaled the end of his time with the organization.