The Orioles have made an offer to free agent starter A.J. Burnett, but nothing is imminent, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports. Burnett declined his $12.75 million player option with the Phillies last week.
Before Burnett signed with the Phillies this past February, the Orioles were one of a few teams interested in the right-hander’s services, so it’s no surprise to see their renewed interest. The O’s had the fifth-best starting rotation ERA in the American League in 2014, but they don’t have an obvious rotation leader.
Burnett, who turns 38 on January 3, had a miserable season in Philadelphia. He suffered an inguinal hernia in mid-April and finished the season with a 4.59 ERA in 213 2/3 innings, leading the league in earned runs allowed, walks, and losses.
According to MLB.com’s Tom Singer, the Pirates are still interested in Burnett as well.