We can’t call Ryan Howard the million dollar man just yet, but the $900k bump in salary is still good enough. ESPN reports:

“

The Phillies have renewed National League MVP Ryan Howard’s contract for $900,000 this season.

Howard’s new salary — he made $355,000 last season — is a record for an American-born player with between one and two years’ experience. The record was the $690,000 Kerry Wood made in 2000.

It ties Albert Pujols for the most money for a non-arbitration eligible player. Pujols made $900,000 in his second season with the Cardinals. Pujols started a $100 million, seven-year deal the following year.

“Right now, we didn’t get to the finish line on this one, but we’ll continue talks in the future,” assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said.

Howard, who hit 58 home runs last season, switched agents during the offseason and is represented by Casey Close.”