Burnett off the board

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

November 14, 2014, 11:30am

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One day after shooting down the A.J. Burnett rumor, I can pass along that the right-hander has agreed to terms with the Pirates. The news has been confirmed by multiple media outlets.

Burnett's one-year deal with the Pirates is for $8.5 million, according to reports. He turned down a $12.75 million option with the Phillies in order to sign with a contender.

We now live in a world where the Pirates are contenders again.

The Orioles didn't make Burnett an offer, according to team officials. The Monkton storyline never picked up steam. Sorry to disappoint.

Burnett turned down the Orioles last winter and proceeded to go 8-18 with a 4.59 ERA in 34 starts. He led the majors with 18 losses and 96 walks.

The Orioles never looked back.

Agent Darek Braunecker told FOXSports.com that he didn't negotiate with any other club, per Burnett's instructions. The right-hander only wanted to pitch for the Pirates.

Braunecker, by the way, also represents pitcher Steve Johnson. Keep that in mind if reports surface that the Orioles met with him next month at the Winter Meetings.

The Orioles remain focused on their bullpen and negotiations with the agents for outfielders Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz.

FOXSports.com reported today that Cruz and his agent, Diego Bentz, have met with the Mariners. They shied away from him last winter due to the Biogenesis scandal, but they remain in the market for a right-handed bat with power.

The question is whether they're willing to offer four or five years.