BYRD The Pittsburgh Pirates have lost free agent outfielder Marlon Byrd. Byrd has reached an agreement on a two year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to multiple reports. The deal is likely to come in around $14-$16 million over two years.
Byrd was an excellent addition for the Pirates hitting .318/.357/.486 in 30 regular season games and batted .364/.391/.591 in the post-season.
The team is said to have had interest in Byrd but a two year deal was believed to have been a non-starter for the team.
MORE FREE AGENCY BUZZ
  • The Pirates are not engaged in any substantive contract negotiations at this point with A.J. Burnett. Talks between the two sides have been minimal, a Pirates source says. The ball is in Burnett’s court to jumpstart negotiations.
  • The Pirates will not make an attempt to resign Justin Morneau, the team informed Morneau prior to free agency beginning.
  • Preliminary interest has been expressed in resigning Clint Barmes, though the Pirates have at least made a call on Stephen Drew the top shortstop available and appear to be checking in on the shortstop market. The price is steep for Drew, as the Boras camp is said to be eyeing at least a 4 year – $48 million deal.