Ryan Howard Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation Surrounding Phillies Star

Ryan Howard has been a cornerstone for the Philadelphia Phillies throughout his career, but it remains to be seen if he'll stay with the organization as it considers trading him away.

Continue for updates.

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Howard Reportedly Redid List of Approved Trade Partners

Wednesday, March 25

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported that Howard redid his list of approved trade partners in order to help facilitate a potential deal to move the Phillies slugger:

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Howard's new nine-team approved list included at least three teams identified by the Phillies as possibilities -- the Orioles, Royals and Rays. Howard originally was said to have had an NL-heavy list with teams like Cincinnati (who has Joey Votto at first base), but he changed the list to include all AL teams with seemingly more reason to acquire him because of the presence of the DH and possible needs.

The Royals, Orioles and Rays are believed to have had contact with the Phillies regarding Howard, yet all settled on other hitters with Kansas City signing Kendrys Morales, Baltimore bringing back Delmon Young and Tampa Bay adding John Jaso via trade.

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Phillies Reportedly Cover Financial Burden to Move Howard

Wednesday, March 18

Anthony Castrovince of Sports on Earth reported news of the Phillies' attempt to trade Howard:

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Howard is not, will not be and arguably never was the guy worthy of a $125 million extension in 2010, and the Phillies acknowledged as much in trade talks this winter, telling (uninterested) teams they're willing to swallow a significant sum of the $60 million still owed to Howard over the next two years. Word is, the team would be willing to take on somewhere in the neighborhood of $50 million.

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The Phillies appear to be at a crossroads entering the 2015 regular season. The team is currently dealing with an injury to Cliff Lee, which could eventually require surgery. Veteran pitcher Cole Hamels has been in trade rumors for months, and this isn't even the first time we've heard Howard's name mentioned in trade talks.

On March 9, Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com, citing sources, reported "the Orioles are keeping an eye on Howard this spring." It's no surprise teams would be monitoring Howard, as he is performing fairly well thus far in spring training, according to Castrovince:

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Scouts have noted that Howard has looked more fleet of foot and bat alike. On Sunday, he went deep for the second time this spring. Manager Ryne Sandberg noted Howard has found a stance and a swing that allows him to utilize the whole field.

"I think he's found something he's comfortable with," Sandberg said, "and he's getting results."

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If the Phillies feel the organization is best suited long-term by moving Howard in order to develop a younger player, covering the majority of his salary is a worthwhile move. The Orioles would also make sense as a trade partner since the Phillies wouldn't have to see Howard in the American League, and at 35 years old with injury concerns, Howard would be a suitable designated hitter. 

Despite playing in 71 games in 2012 and 80 games in 2013, Howard bounced back last season to play in 153 games. For his career, Howard has accumulated 334 home runs and 1,058 RBI.