In today's Pirates trade rumors and news update, former Pittsburgh Pirates and current Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher AJ Burnett wants to return to Pittsburgh before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.
According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, that sentiment also extends to the Pittsburgh Pirates players who played alongside Burnett in 2012 and 2013:
#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
Per ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, reports of a rift between Pirates management and Burnett after his departure this winter were greatly exaggerated. The team seems legitimately interested in facilitating a return for the 37-year-old, provided they can hash out the matter of Burnett's 2015 player option.
According to spotrac.com, Burnett's contract has a $11.25 million team option in 2015 with $3.75 million of that coming in deferred signing bonus money. If that option is declined, it shifts over to a $7.5 million player option.
As previously reported, the Pirates are one of nine MLB teams that the Phillies can trade Burnett to without prior consultation. The veteran right-hander is currently 6-9 for the Phillies with a 4.08 ERA in 21 starts.
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