Yankees, Pirates Finalize A.J. Burnett Trade

The Yankees and Pirates were finally able to hammer out a deal that will send starting pitcher A.J. Burnett to Pittsburgh in exchange for salary relief and a pair of prospects.  The Pirates are set to pay $13 million of the $33 million remaining on Burnett’s contract.  On top of the additional budget space, the Yankees will gain a pair of prospects in outfielder Exicardo Cayones and right-hander Diego Moreno.

It was announced that New York was shopping Burnett late last week, and the Pirates were the first interested team named in trade rumors.  Other clubs such as the Angels and Indians checked in on Burnett, but the Pirates and Yankees ultimately reached an agreement.

Many assumed a deal would eventually get done, though a few factors slowed negotiations.  The two major issues that arose during the discussions for Burnett were how much salary the Pirates would take on and what type of players the Yankees would be receiving in return.

Pittsburgh ends up adding $13 million of Burnett’s salary, $5 million in 2012 and another $8 million in ’13.  Beyond the money, the Pirates are sending a pair of prospects to New York in exchange for Burnett.

Over his 13 major league seasons, Burnett has maintained an ERA of 4.10 to go with his 1.332 WHIP.  However, the right-hander has struggled mightily since 2010.  After posting respectable numbers during his first season in the Bronx, Burnett has turned in putrid campaigns for the past two seasons with an ERA and WHIP in the 5.20 and 1.470 range.

Since signing his current five-year, $82 million contract with the Yankees prior to the 2009 season, Burnett has posted an ERA and WHIP of 4.79 and 1.447 over his 584 innings.

In exchange for Burnett, the Yankees will receive minor league outfielder Exicardo Cayones and right-hander Diego Moreno.  Cayones, 20, has only reached the low-A level and has a career line of .272/.372/.380 over his 558 plate appearances as a professional.

Moreno, 25, split the 2011 season between High- and Double-A.  Over his five seasons in the minors, the right-hander has maintained an ERA of 2.41 and a 0.933 WHIP while acting primarily as a reliever.

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

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