Marlon Byrd was the first free-agent to receive a significant contract this winter, agreeing to a two-year, $16 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.
"I didn't want to wait around," Byrd said. "The Phillies were aggressive with an amazing offer. I didn't want to wait to see how much money I could get. I have friends on that team, my wife (Andrea) is from there. It's definitely a blessing."