CAC alum Burnett, Phillies agree to deal, source says

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher A.J. Burnett (34), a Little Rock native, delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Pittsburgh Saturday, Aug. 31. Burnett reportedly agreed to a 1-year, $16 million deal on Wednesday morning.
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher A.J. Burnett (34), a Little Rock native, delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Pittsburgh Saturday, Aug. 31. Burnett reportedly agreed to a 1-year, $16 million deal on Wednesday morning.

PHILADELPHIA — A person familiar with the deal says A.J. Burnett has agreed to a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the Phillies haven't made an official announcement. The move comes on the day ace Cole Hamels says he won't be ready opening day because of left biceps tendinitis.

ESPN, the Philadelphia Inquirer and USA Today are also reporting that the deal is in place.

Burnett's deal reportedly is worth $16 million. If Hamels is healthy, he gives the Phillies a formidable top three along with Benton native and former Arkansas Razorback Cliff Lee.

Burnett, a Central Arkansas Christian alum, was 10-11 with a 3.30 ERA for Pittsburgh last season. The 37-year-old right-hander is 147-132 with a 3.99 ERA in 15 seasons. He helped the New York Yankees beat the Phillies in the 2009 World Series, winning Game 2 of the six-game series.

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