Star first baseman Ryan Howard has agreed to a three-year, $54 million contract extension with the Phillies, avoiding salary arbitration for the next three seasons, the team announced Sunday.

Howard had submitted a figure of $18 million while the Phillies submitted $14 million. The deal is a boon to the team that needed to avoid conflict with its premier player.

Howard will receive $15 million in 2009, $19 Million in 2010 and $20 million in 2011 as stipulated in the contract, obtained by SI.com. His salary will increase by $1 million in 2010 and 2011 for each MVP award (and $500,000 for second-place finishes). He is to receive $1 million each time he is traded after Nov. 1, 2010.

Last spring, Howard won $10 million at the arbitration table, a record award for an arbitration-eligible player.

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

Howard, the 2006 National League Most Valuable Player, 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.

"We're pleased to have gotten this behind us," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said during a news conference at Citizens Bank Park. "I think it's important for the players to worry about playing baseball. To get them ready to defend our title."

Howard, who was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2005, has hit 153 home runs with 431 RBIs over the past three seasons, both tops in the majors.

The Phillies slugger, 29, will be eligible for free agency after the 2011 season.