AJ Burnett rumors: Wants to be traded to Pittsburgh Pirates
By Bryan Rose
The Philadelphia Phillies have little reason to keep AJ Burnett beyond the upcoming trade deadline, so it makes sense that they’re shopping the veteran starting pitcher. A few teams have shown interest in Burnett, though the Pittsburgh Pirates seem to be the most intrigued.
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That’s a good thing considering the feeling is mutual.
AJ Burnett pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season though eventually signed with the Phillies after Burnett and the Pirates went back-and-forth over contract demands and his potential pending retirement. Burnett of course didn’t retire and has pitched decently for the Phillies, though not nearly as well as he did for the Pirates.
Hoping to recapture that charm, the Pittsburgh Pirates very well could make a play for the pitcher though are understandably concerned about his player option for the 2015 season.
#Phillies’ Burnett not only prefers #Pirates as next club, but Bucs players said to be lobbying for his return. Player option may be issue…
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 22, 2014
…for #Pirates. Burnett at 21 starts for #Phillies. Option value is $8.5M at 24 starts, $10M at 27, $11.75M at 30 and maximum $12.75M at 32.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 22, 2014
The fact that Pirates players are also clamoring for his return shows what a positive clubhouse influence Burnett was for the franchise and you can’t always put a price on that.
Currently just 2.5 games out of first place, the Pittsburgh Pirates will need to be buyers come the deadline and AJ Burnett could certainly make an impact down the stretch.