MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees, Pirates Very Close to Making AJ Burnett Deal Happen

For the last week, we've all been waiting to hear whether or not the Yankees will finally trade A.J. Burnett.

It's looking like it will definitely happen within the next 24 hours.

According to Jim Bowden of ESPN, the Yankees and Pirates should complete the deal by Friday at the latest, sending Burnett to Pittsburgh.

"

NYY-PGH close to finalizing deal w/ Burnett.should get done in next 24 hours according to source;NYY weighing one last offer from other team

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) February 16, 2012"

The only thing holding up finalizing the deal is that the "mystery team" has made an offer to the Yankees and GM Brian Cashman is mulling the offer, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.

"

Yankees honing in on Burnett decision. Unknown team (not Cle or Pit) brought proposal to NYY yesterday. Pit still could be leader. (more)

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 16, 2012"

Olney said the offer isn't from Pittsburgh or the Cleveland Indians, but he also said it's probably not the Angels because Burnett rejected that idea three weeks ago.

Jon Heyman of WFAN and CBS Sports said that the Yankees are willing to pay $20 million of the final two years and $33 million left on Burnett's deal.

"

for about the eighth straight day (est.), I can report there is a lot of optimism for aj/pirates deal. yanks will pay $20M of aj's $33M

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) February 16, 2012"

Pittsburgh will be on hook for $13 million for two seasons, or $6.5 per season. That's really not bad considering Burnett could really be a decent pitcher in the National League.

We'd all like to know who the "mystery team" that has made the Yankees an offer, because Burnett does not have them listed as a team he would block a trade to.

It's likely on the East coast, because Burnett has about 10 teams on his no-trade list that are on the West coast.

From all the reports I've read, I still think the Pirates are the favorites to get Burnett, either by Thursday night or Friday afternoon, especially if the Yankees are going to pay $20 million for Burnett to pitch in Pittsburgh.

Stay tuned, Yankees Universe.

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