When A.J. Burnett signed his deal with the Phillies, the headline in the email sent to fans indicated that the Phillies signed Burnett to a one-year deal. However, the number of starts Burnett made would give him a player option worth up to $12. 75 million for 2015. Burnett made the number of starts required, and has the option on the table. A report today indicates he will take it.
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports:
While nothing is set yet, people close to Burnett suggest it is more likely than not he will be back pitching. Besides his love of pitching, Burnett has a $12.75-million player option with Philadelphia. He has until five days after the World Series ends to exercise it.
Burnett, who turns 38 in January, ruminated about possible retirement at times during the season, including suggesting after one rough outing in August that he “probably” would hang it up, and he's had those thoughts before. Last year he considered retirement after the Pirates declined to extend him a qualifying offer for $14.1 million.
Burnett has until five days after the World Series to decide.
