Burnett opts out of contract, becomes free agent
Sports Network | November 04, 2008
Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Toronto Blue Jays pitcher A.J. Burnett will opt out of the final two years of a five-year, $55 million deal he signed with the club before the 2006 season.
Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, met with team officials at the general managers meetings in California to inform the club of Burnett's decision. The pitcher was scheduled to make $24 million over the final two years of the contract.
The 31-year-old posted an 18-10 record with a 4.07 earned run average in 2008, when he started a career-high 34 games. He also struck out an American League- best and career-high 231 batters.
Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi has indicated that Toronto may discuss a new contract for Burnett.
For his 10-year career, which started with seven years with the Florida Marlins, Burnett has an 87-76 record with a 3.81 ERA.
