Howard is highest-paid second-year player

PHILADELPHIA, March 2 (UPI) -- Ryan Howard has become the highest paid second-year baseball player under a $900,000 contract signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Phillies renewed Howard's contract on Friday. The previous highest-paid player with less than two full years of major league experience was Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Woods, who made $690,000 in 2002.

Howard was voted the National League's most valuable player after last season in which he hit 58 home runs drove in 149 runs and led the team in hitting with a .313 average.

Howard is not eligible to become a free agent until 2011.