Burnett kinda announces retirement

In November 2014, A.J. Burnett has signed a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. A deal for one more year for $8.5 million.

According to Burnett it is not about the money…. “It’s about me playing here, and that’s it.” He added that by taking less, he would leave the team with flexibility for other moves. Quotes like that make me raise my eyebrows. If someone has made $136 million already and claims it is not about the money? Come on. If it is really not about the money you would have accepted a much lower contract. Sure this contract is about $4 million less than the Phillies offered him, but still….
On the other hand, nobody works for free.

He wanted to pitch one final year with the Pirates, a team that he cherishes. He wants to win a World Series with the team.

When he played with the team in 2013 he was rather relaxed and pitched like in his old days. Apparently to play for a low profile team helped him to refind his cool. Last season with the Phillies he went 8-18, but was bothered by a hernia.

Burnett stated that he does not want a farewell tour like Jeter and Rivera had. He doesn’t want any hoopla.

I don’t expect it to happen but it would be something if Burnett can end his career with a World Series ring.