American starting pitcher Allan James Burnett, who is now retired after 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), played for five different teams. These teams included the Florida Marlins, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Philadelphia Phillies.
2014 saw the signing of Burnett to a $15 million, one-year contract with the Phillies. The agreement also had a mutual option for the next year and a limited no-trade clause. But in April of that year, it was discovered that Burnett had an inguinal hernia.
He had a cortisone injection in an effort to delay surgery until after the season but ultimately finished with an 8-18 record and a 4.59 ERA. He recorded the most losses (40) and walks (96) in the Major Leagues that year. (18).
In November 2014, Burnett declined his $12.75 million player option and went unsigned. This took place after his mutual $15 million option with the Phillies was rejected by both sides. Later that month, though, he declared 2015 to be his final season and signed an $8.5 million one-year contract to play for the Pirates once more.
In a game against the Cardinals in July 2015, Burnett hit his fourth home run of the year in addition to being chosen for his first All-Star team. But because of elbow irritation, he was later put on the 15-day disabled list.
He made his first start since his injury at Pittsburgh in September after being added back to the active roster. To his surprise, a Bat-Signal appeared in the sky over PNC Park, home of the Pirates, and other spots throughout the city.
Burnett, a huge Batman fan, referred to this event as the “coolest thing” that had ever occurred in his professional life.
Is AJ Burnett a Hall of Famer?
No, the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee will next consider A.J. Burnett for the Hall of Fame in 2032 according to reports.