The Philadelphia Phillies finalized a one-year, $16 million contract with free-agent right-hander A.J. Burnett on Sunday.
An option for a second year could make the deal worth up to $33 million if he reaches all incentives, according to CBS Sports. Even if Burnett struggles, he could remain with the Phillies in 2015 for $7.5 million.
Burnett will wear retired Phillies star pitcher Roy Halladay’s No. 34 jersey.
Burnett, 37, pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates the past two seasons and it was assumed that he would return to the Pirates or retire. He mulled retirement during the offseason and the Pirates did not make him a one-year, $14.1 million qualifying offer. However, he decided to return as a free agent.
In 30 starts last season for Pittsburgh, Burnett went 10-11 with a 3.30 ERA, 209 strikeouts and 67 walks in 191 innings.