MLB

A.J. Burnett’s Free Agency Decision A Puzzling One

By Jordan Wevers @JordanWevers on November 4, 2014

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Usually, players in the twilight of their careers opt for free agency in hopes of being signed by a contender so they can compete for that ever elusive World Series ring. A.J. Burnett already has that on his resume dating back to his time with the New York Yankees in 2009. That’s why it’s all the more confusing when he opted for free agency this offseason, instead of exercising his $12.5 million player option with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Burnett will be 38 when training camp opens next season. Whether he is on a roster at that time is highly speculative and remains to be seen.

Don’t forget that 31-year old Ervin Santana had a hard time finding a suitor this past season after opting out of his deal with the Kansas City Royals, missing out on a historic playoff run in the process. Not only is Santana a lot younger than Burnett, his career ERA of 4.17 is fairly in line with Burnett’s 4.04. Not much separates the two except for that Burnett is out of his prime. He posted a career-worst 18 losses in 2014 with an ERA of 4.59.

Prior to filling the player option requirement (32-plus starts), Burnett initially had a $15 million mutual option with the Phillies that was not picked up by the club. It’s clear he felt unwanted there, which is why he chose to forego his player option as well.

The market for a starting pitcher in his late thirties coming off a down year is not going to be great. Burnett voiced that he did not want to retire and hopes to sign with a contender moving forward. It’s highly unlikely that he will make anywhere near the potential $15 million he was set to make with the Phillies in 2015 had they triggered their option on him.

Sometimes, winning is more important than money. To a player of Burnett’ tenure, it’s clear that he just hopes to play meaningful baseball in September. Whether he receives interest in order for that to happen is another thing altogether. If no offers are sent his way, Burnett may have to settle for a minor league contract with a strong team and pitch his way onto a roster.

Or even worse, no interest will be voiced to his agent, ultimately forcing Burnett into an early retirement.

Jordan Wevers is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanWevers, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.