Report: Pirates won't trade for Burnett if he intends to exercise player option next year
The Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly interested in bringing back A.J. Burnett, but only on their terms.
If Burnett intends to pick up his player option next season, the Pirates are unlikely to pursue a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.
Burnett elected not to return to Pittsburgh in the offseason after receiving a far more lucrative offer from the Phillies. The 37-year-old accepted a two-year, $22.5 million deal with Philadelphia in addition to a $7.5 million signing bonus to up his salary to $15 million this season.
His contract includes a mutual option for $15 million in 2015 and guarantees the right-hander at least $7.5 million. The option carries several incentives, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts:
- $1 million buyout if Burnett fails to start 30 games in 2014 and one side declines
- Option increases to $8.5M with 24 GS, $10M for 27 GS, $11.75M for 30 GS and $12.75M for 32 GS
With 22 games under his belt, Burnett appears to be a lock to reach the ceiling of his incentives. The 16-year veteran owns a 3.86 ERA and 3.96 FIP with 119 strikeouts in 144 2/3 innings this season.