Burnett to decide on opt-out by Monday

Oct 30, 2008 - 11:40 PM BRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) -- Toronto Blue Jays righthander A.J. Burnett plans to decide on whether to opt out of the remaining two years of his contract by the end of the weekend, according to a report by ESPN.com on Thursday.

Burnett's agent told the web site that a decision would have to be made before the start of the Major League Baseball general managers' meetings in Dana Point, California, which begin on Monday.

"For us to participate in the general managers' meetings on behalf of A.J. Burnett, we would have to make a determination (on the opt-out clause) to allow me to do my job," Darek Braunecker told ESPN. "That would give us time to gather information from clubs that we believe are truly interested in A.J. and that he would have an interest in playing for."

Burnett signed a five-year, $55 million contract with the Blue Jays prior to the 2006 season and would be in line for $24 million over the next two years if he decides to stay.

Players have until November 13 to declare for free agency.

Prone to injury throughout his career, Burnett turned in a remarkably healthy season in 2008, reaching career highs of 34 starts and 221 1/3 innings pitched. He finished the season 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA and ranked third in the majors with 231 strikeouts.

Should he choose to enter the free-agent market, possible suitors could include the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets.

The Blue Jays also could jump back into the mix, a possibility Burnett and his agent would welcome.

"By all means, if A.J. does exercise the out (clause), the Blue Jays would be very much in consideration," Braunecker said. "No question about it."