The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Phillies had sought to pay Howard $7 million in 2008 but an arbitrator found in favor of the player and his request for a salary of $10 million, more than 11 times his 2007 salary.

It was the first time the Phillies lost a salary arbitration case.

Howard, 28, was voted the National League rookie of the year in 2005 and was the league's most valuable player in 2006. That season he hit .313 with 58 home runs and 149 runs batted in. Last season, Howard hit .268 with 47 home runs and 136 RBI.