The D-backs signed Young to a six-year, $28 million extension in April, buying out all three of his arbitration years and gaining an option on his first season of free agency. Young could receive as much as $38 million if the D-backs exercise their 2014 option.

"You always try to identify core players. He's certainly one. He's an unbelievably talented player, but we wouldn't have done a contract like this unless we believed in the person," Byrnes said when the D-backs signed Young.

Haren signed a five-year extension in August that guarantees $31.5 million in new money. The D-backs reworked the final two years of Haren's existing contract, adding a little money there, while agreeing to pay Haren $12.75 million in 2011 and 2012, with a $15.75 million option for 2013.

The D-backs spoke to three-time Gold Glove-winning second baseman Orlando Hudson about an extension late in the 2007 season, but the sides could not reach an agreement, leaving Hudson to test the free agent market this winter after the expiration of his contract.

During his three seasons, Byrnes also has reworked the contracts of veteran left-hander Doug Davis and outfielder Eric Byrnes. Davis signed a three-year, $22 million deal after being acquired in a trade before the 2007 season. Eric Byrnes received a three-year, $30 million extension late in his spectacular 2007 season, when he became the 11th player in major league history to have 20 home runs and 50 stolen bases.

Josh Byrnes himself received an eight-year contract extension the first day of spring training last year, a deal that will keep him with the D-backs through 2015.