Burnett opts out of contract, becomes free agent 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 Am... More...
There is speculation that the Jays will explore the market to see what they can get for ace hurler Roy Halladay, according to the Star-Ledger. He has two-years and $30 million left on his deal with the club.
