Update: AJ Burnett "prefers" trade to Pirates, players want him back

In today's Pirates trade rumors and news update, former Pittsburgh Pirates and current Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher AJ Burnett wants to return to Pittsburgh before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.

According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, that sentiment also extends to the Pittsburgh Pirates players who played alongside Burnett in 2012 and 2013:

Per ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, reports of a rift between Pirates management and Burnett after his departure this winter were greatly exaggerated. The team seems legitimately interested in facilitating a return for the 37-year-old, provided they can hash out the matter of Burnett's 2015 player option.

According to spotrac.com, Burnett's contract has a $11.25 million team option in 2015 with $3.75 million of that coming in deferred signing bonus money. If that option is declined, it shifts over to a $7.5 million player option.

As previously reported, the Pirates are one of nine MLB teams that the Phillies can trade Burnett to without prior consultation. The veteran right-hander is currently 6-9 for the Phillies with a 4.08 ERA in 21 starts.

 

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