Yankees Trade Rumors: NYY not interested in A.J. Burnett

The Yankees have already traded for Brandon McCarthy, but with a rotation that still includes Shane Greene/Chase Whitley and David Phelps, it makes sense that they are interested in acquiring another pitcher. According to the New York Post's George King, the Yankees, perhaps thankfully, have no interest in a reunion with A.J. Burnett of the Phillies.

We all know Burnett from his troubling time with the Yankees where he pitched to a 4.79 ERA with a 4.63 FIP over three seasons. This year he has been just under league-average with a 3.92 ERA and 3.88 FIP for Philadelphia, and while that would still be an upgrade over Vidal Nuno and maybe even a regressing Whitley, a reunion was not likely in the cards anyway. The team paid $20 million for him to not pitch for the Yankees in 2012 and 2013, so they weren't going to pay any portion of the $15 million he is owed this season for him to pitch for them again. He also has a $15 million mutual option for 2015 that if declined by the team, becomes a player option for $7.5 million.

While Philly looks to be ready to sell, Burnett is probably the least appealing piece they have. Cliff Lee, second baseman Chase Utley, even shortstop Jimmy Rollins could be more useful than what Burnett could offer at whatever price they would have to pay. They're much better off waiting for another McCarthy-like trade to come around than making something happen with someone like Burnett.