NEW YORK (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates are close to agreement on a trade that would send pitcher A.J. Burnett to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a pair of minor leaguers.
The Pirates agreed they would pay $13 million of the $33 million salary due the right-hander for 2012 and 2013, the person said Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity. The sides were still working on the payment schedule for the amount the Yankees would cover, the person said.
Once the agreement is reached, it must be approved by baseball Commissioner Bud Selig because of the cash involved.
New York is likely to use the money saved to sign a designated hitter, with Raul Ibanez appearing to be its first choice.
