By Bailey Stephens / MLB.com

04/26/10 2:29 PM ET

The Phillies signed slugger Ryan Howard to a five-year contract extension on Monday that will run through the 2016 season and guarantees him at least $125 million.

The deal, which includes a club option for a sixth year, will pay the first baseman $20 million for the 2012 and 2013 seasons and $25 million for each season from 2014-16. Howard's sixth-year option is worth $23 million and includes a $10 million buyout.

Howard's deal also includes awards bonuses and a limited no-trade clause, the Phillies said in announcing the deal.

The 30-year-old first baseman is off to a strong start in 2010, hitting .275 with three homers and 16 RBIs so far.

Currently at fifth place on the Phillies' all-time home run list at 225, the 30-year-old Howard has been a dominant force in the Phillies lineup since he won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2005. He cemented his status as a big-time slugger in 2006, when he won the NL MVP award and set a single-season club record with 58 home runs.

He was named the MVP of the NL Championship Series for his role in the Phillies' pennant-clinching series last season, and he is the team's all-time leader in postseason RBIs with 27.

Since becoming an everyday player on July 1, 2005, Howard leads all Major League players in home runs (222) and RBIs (650).

Admittedly, I dont know a whole lot about baseball. I do know that if Howard deserves $25 million, Pujols deserves $35+ million, which is just outrageous.

I have MANY years of experience in trying to appreciate steaming piles of dogshit.