After making another big trade over the weekend, the Oakland Athletics took care of one of their own players and avoided arbitration. In Pittsburgh, A.J. Burnett of the Pirates feels his time as a professional starting pitcher is coming to an end.
The A's and pitcher Jesse Chavez agreed on a one-year, $2.15 million contract, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. The 31-year-old Chavez was entering his second year of arbitration eligibility after earning $775,000 in 2014. He was converted to a starter this past season and went 8-8 with a 3.45 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 32 games (21 starts), but returned to the bullpen in August a little less than a month after the team acquired starters Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel from the Chicago Cubs.
He'll probably continue assuming a role in relief since the Athletics have Sonny Gray and Scott Kazmir atop the rotation in addition to the acquisitions of Jesse Hahn as well as prospects Chris Bassitt, Sean Nolin and Kendall Graveman in trades this offseason. General manager Billy Beane believes the three youngsters are MLB-ready and should compete for a spot in the starting rotation during spring training. Chavez will also provide a depth option in the rotation in case any injuries occur or if some of the prospects aren't ready to hit the majors.
The right-hander owns a career 17-23 record with a 4.70 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 223 games (23 starts) in seven MLB seasons with the Pirates, Braves, Royals, Blue Jays and A's.
On the East Coast, Pittsburgh Pirates starter A.J. Burnett signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the team shortly after declining his $15 million mutual option with the Philadelphia Phillies because he wanted to play for a contender. According to Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, it looks like 2015 will be the final season for the veteran right-hander. Burnett said, "I got one (season) left."
The 38-year-old spent the 2012 and 2013 seasons with Pittsburgh, during which he experienced a revival after a few disappointing years towards the end of his tenure with the New York Yankees. He compiled a 26-21 record with a 3.41 ERA and 1.23 WHIP with the Pirates and helped them reach the postseason for the first time in 20 years in 2013. Burnett will enter his 17th MLB season in 2015 and look to rebound after an 8-18 campaign with the Phillies in 2014.
