Phillies legend Ryan Howard signs minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies

A Phillies legend signs a minor league deal on Alumni Weekend

Ryan Howard, second on the Phillies all-time home run list, has signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies. He’ll report to Triple-A Albuquerque with the hopes of playing in the majors once again this year.

Howard hasn’t played a major league game since last season with Philadelphia but spent a portion of this season in the Braves minor league system. The first baseman played 11 games for Triple-A Gwinnett hitting one home run and sporting a .184 batting average.

With 36 career games in Coors Field Howard has a .305 batting average with 10 home runs.

Sixteen games behind the Dodgers in the National League West, Colorado is looking to establish themselves for a September Wild Card run. The 37-year-old Howard, if given a chance to play, could give the Rockies a left-handed power bat off the bench in September and potentially October.

The Rockies currently play 33-year-old Mark Reynolds at first base, but have little depth behind him. Recently acquired catcher Jonathan Lucroy could fill in if needed, but it’s not an ideal situation.

Howard appears determined to play despite going nearly a full season without facing major league pitching. He’s 18 home runs away from 400, something that could potentially cement a Hall of Fame resume.

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It’s yet to be seen if Howard can make the jump from Albuquerque to Colorado after a poor showing in the Braves system. Colorado would love his veteran presence and bat in their lineup for a playoff run.