Burnett Agrees to Deal in Principle with Jays

A.J. Burnett has agreed to a deal in principle with the Toronto Blue Jays which is expected to become official as early as Tuesday InsideTheDome.com has learned.

InsideTheDome first reported on November 30 that the Toronto Blue Jays were still in competition to acquire the services of the right-hander, and maintained all along it would take five-guaranteed years to sign him.

Burnett’s representatives and the Blue Jays legal teams were finalizing the contract late last night. Some minor terms remain to be straightened out, however, sources don’t view those perks as deal breakers.

The St. Louis Cardinals highest offer to Burnett was a four year deal worth $48 million. There was a fifth-option year included, which made the overall value around the $60 million range.

A press conference announcing the signing could come as early as today.

With the Burnett deal in the books, Ricciardi is now expected to turn his sights into acquiring a middle of the order bat, preferably and outfield bat. The General Manager has meetings scheduled today with the Phillies, Brewers and Rangers.

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