MLB: Three Players Who Should Retire in 2017
By Jason Reed
3. Ryan Howard
Fun fact: Despite being a hardcore Dodgers fan to the core, Ryan Howard was my first true favorite player. I remember mimicking him, sticking the bat into the air and swinging with all my might. That makes this a little harder to say, but 2017 should be the year Howard hangs it up. Whether it is before this season or after, Howard’s power stint in MLB should come to a close.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Howard call it quits before the start of the season, as seemingly no team is biting on his power potential. Chances are Howard will attempt to continue to play, as he stated he wanted another World Series ring, but that is if he can even get a deal. Potentially some desperate team like the Rays could reach out to Howard, but that does not fit the narrative he is trying to set. Honestly, I would not be surprised if Howard signed a minor league deal like former teammate Jimmy Rollins did last season.
Unfortunately, 2017 should be the last year of Howard’s career. Even if he does find a suitor, unless he has a monster season, it is hard to justify him playing further. He seemingly has accomplished everything he could hope to accomplish, and his numbers are just bad. Since 2010 Howard has accumulated just 0.4 WAR, with four of his last five seasons being in the negative.