PHILADELPHIA — Ryan Howard has agreed to a $54 million, three-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies — avoiding a potentially contentious arbitration hearing.

Howard, the 2006 NL MVP, led the majors with 48 homers and 146 RBIs last season while helping the Phillies win their first World Series title since 1980. He batted just .251, struck out 199 times and made 19 errors at first base, but also was runner-up to Albert Pujols for MVP.

"I'm happy to have this done and to know that I'll be in Philadelphia for at least another three years," Howard said Sunday.