Los Angeles Angels tried to acquire A.J. Burnett
By Josh Hill
The Los Angeles Angels are trying to figure out a way to make sure they get as deep into a playoff hunt as they possibly can and that all goes back to what kind of pitching they can acquire.
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Los Angeles added pitching help in Huston Street this summer at the non-waiver deadline but they’re still looking to acquire more pieces for a pennant chase. after acquiring Gordon Beckham off the waiver trade wire from the Chicago White Sox, the Angels are trying to acquire A.J. Burnett from the Philadelphia Phillies.
While trade talks indeed took place, Ken Rosenthal and Peter Gammons are reporting that the trade talks have stalled at the moment.
Sources confirm report by @pgammo that #Angels had interest in #Phillies’ Burnett. Talks stalled, however… (1/3)
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 30, 2014
According to @pgammo, #Angels wanted Burnett to waive player option for 2015. Difficult to imagine Burnett agreeing to that… (2/3)
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 30, 2014
Finally, the main reason that the Angels didn’t want to pull the trigger on a deal was because of the luxury tax implications that would arise should Burnett’s player option kick in while still on the books.
Burnett option will be worth at least $10M and as much as $12.75M. Presumably #Angels wanted him off books to avoid luxury tax. (3/3)
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 30, 2014
The bottom line on Burnett is that he’s just too expensive to keep beyond this season for what he’s going to provide a team in the future. He’s not the pitcher he used to be and beyond being a so-so trade chip at the deadline next year, Burnett is not at all anywhere near being worth over $12 million.
Be sure to stay glued to FanSided’s MLB Rumors page to stay up to date with the latest action and rumbling from the baseball hot stove this trade season.