It seems unlikely that the Diamondbacks will sign 31 year-old outfielder Eric Byrnes to a contract extension. According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, the team won’t even approach Juan Pierre’s five-year, $45MM deal. And Juan Pierre isn’t good.
It’s just the business reality – the Diamondbacks have way too much outfield talent in their system to give Byrnes anything near what he’s worth. He’d probably have to take something like two years, $20MM to remain in Arizona. Earlier I said 4/32 might do it but now I’m thinking even that wouldn’t work. I still like him as a possible White Sox next year.
Piecoro also mentioned that Josh Byrnes inquired on Bobby Abreu and Jermaine Dye, but is backing off because Carlos Gonzalez was requested. Buster Olney proposes Shannon Stewart as a lower-cost alternative.
