Agent: Burnett to opt out of contract

Nov 4, 2008 - 11:12 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- A.J. Burnett apparently wants to become a free agent.

Burnett will opt out of his contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, the starting pitcher's agent, Darek Braunecker, said Tuesday.

The 31-year-old Burnett will walk away from the $24 million he was scheduled to make over the next two seasons.

Braunecker, who met with the Blue Jays on Tuesday to informed them of his client's decision, stressed that Burnett may still have interest in re-signing with Toronto.

After a pair of injury-plagued seasons, Burnett went 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA in 2008. He led the American League with 231 strikeouts.

Outside of Toronto, the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox are rumored to be interested in Burnett, who would arguably become the top available frent agent pitcher behind CC Sabathia.

Burnett signed a five-year, $55-million deal with Toronto before the 2006 season.