A.J. Burnett Opts Out

4:28pm: According to Ken Rosenthal, Burnett has officially opted out of the remaining two years and $24MM on his deal.  The Blue Jays remain in the mix.  If he leaves, they’ll at least end up with two draft picks.

10:22am: What’s the deal with A.J. Burnett?  We were supposed to have an opt-out decision yesterday before the GM meetings began.  Ken Davidoff talked to Burnett’s agent, Darek Braunecker.  Apparently Braunecker will meet with the Jays today to see if they’ll make a "knock your socks off" offer to keep Burnett off the market.  Cathal Kelly of the Toronto Star says the Jays will have to look at other free agent starters if Burnett leaves.

Sean McAdam of the Boston Herald does not see the Red Sox in on Burnett or C.C. Sabathia, based on Theo Epstein’s comments.  The Yankees are expected to be major players.