MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees, Pirates Likely to Complete A.J. Burnett Deal

Yesterday morning, much of the A.J. Burnett trade talk surrounded the terms of the deal; how much money the Pirates would have to eat and if the Yankees would be receiving a player in return for their veteran right-hander.  Saturday we discovered that the Burnett sweepstakes includes multiple teams, but it’s expected that the Pirates and Yankees will ultimately reach an agreement.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported yesterday that the Pirates are one of four teams in on Burnett.  Rosenthal doesn’t list the other teams involved, though he does mention that one of the clubs is on Burnett’s no-trade list.

Burnett has limited power to block trades to several clubs this offseason.  While the names haven’t been made public, it’s being reported that 10 of the teams on Burnett’s list are located on the West Coast.

While others have apparently expressed interest in Burnett, Rosenthal noted that the Yankees still view the Pirates as the trade partner that makes the “most sense”.  Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News agreed with Rosenthal, noting that he’s been told by a source that there’s “a good chance” that a deal sending Burnett to the Pirates gets done.

The sticking point of the negotiation is how much of Burnett’s contract the Pirates will assume.  $10 million has been a figure tossed around by many, but even that may not be enough for the Yankees.  New York was also said to be requesting a player in exchange for Burnett, though the Pirates are reportedly more comfortable eating salary than trading prospects for the veteran starter.

For more on the Yankees and Pirates, be sure to check out Yanks Go Yard and Rum Bunter.

You can follow Call to the Pen on Twitter at @FSCalltothePen or like us here on Facebook.