Burnett has agreed to a one-year $8.5 million deal with the Pirates. He will look to reclaim some of the magic he had in Pittsburgh in 2013 after scuffling in a one-year stay in Philadelphia. Last season he posted a 4.59 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP in 213.2 innings -- a far cry from the 3.30 ERA and 1.21 WHIP he had in 2013 with the Pirates. The defensive shifting and emphasis on defensively skilled position players in Pittsburgh certainly sets it apart from the way things are done in Philadelphia, so it's easy to see why Burnett fared better as a Pirate. He will also be going to a better park for pitching, so there are plenty of reasons to expect a minor bounce back in his age-38 season.

Burnett (hernia) declined his $12.75 million player option and will become a free agent, MLB.com's Todd Zolecki reports. Burnett, 37, was ineffective for most of the year, leading the majors in earned runs allowed (109), walks (96) and losses. He concluded the season with an 8-18 record with a 4.59 ERA in 34 starts. Looking ahead, Burnett will likely look to sign on with a contender at a discount, though retirement may also be an option.

The Phillies and Burnett (hernia) both declined their $15 million mutual option for 2015 on Friday, leaving Burnett to decide whether to exercise his $12.75 million player option, the Philadelphia Daily News reports. Burnett has until Monday to make his decision on the player option. It was reported early last month that Burnett will likely want to pitch next season rather than retire. He could still decide to opt for free agency if he does not want to pitch for the Phillies as they begin a rebuilding process.

John Heyman of CBS Sports reports that people close to Burnett (hernia) suggest it is more likely than not that he will pitch next season. Burnett, who was scheduled to have hernia surgery this month, has a $12.75 million player option that he must exercise within five days after the World Series ends. He has hinted that he would consider retirement this offseason, but it sounds as if he'll take the money and return to the Phillies for another season.

Burnett will have hernia surgery next week, and has not made a decision about returning for the 2015 season, the Philadelphia Inquirer's Matt Gelb reports. He said it has bothered him all year, and that could be part of the reason he was so mediocre in 2014. In 207 innings he posted a 4.57 ERA with 183 strikeouts, so even if he returns for the 2015 season, he'll be available on the cheap on draft day.

Burnett allowed six runs on three hits and six walks while striking out three in 4.1 innings in the Phillies' 8-6 loss to the Athletics on Sunday. It's the most runs he's let up since July 28. It was also his shortest start since Aug. 2. The six walks tied a season-high for the 37-year-old, who will contemplate retirement after the season.

Burnett hinted he may be dealing with another injury in addition to a hernia that will require surgery after the season, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. "If I can lift my arm up at the end of the season, then I might pitch [next season]," Burnett said. "We'll see how it goes." Manager Ryne Sandberg said that Burnett has not appeared on team medical reports. If he is dealing with an injury, it is something he can continue to pitch through. Burnett has until five days after the World Series ends to decide if he will execute his $12.75 million player option for 2015.

Burnett allowed five runs, four earned, on eight hits over 5.2 innings against the Padres on Tuesday. Burnett was saddled with his 17th loss of the season. The walks added to his major league-leading total of 87 this season. He will face the A's in Oakland in his next start.

Burnett gave up four runs and six hits in six innings against Pittsburgh on Thursday. He walked three and struck out seven. Burnett was pitching well until the sixth inning, when he allowed three runs. The veteran right-hander has been consistently inconsistent this season, alternating strong starts with clunkers. The fact that he's capable of dominating an opponent in any start, like his 12-strikeout game on August 25 against Washington, is particularly frustrating. If you want to roll the dice and hope for good Burnett next week, he will make two starts on the road against San Diego and Oakland.

Burnett struck out four and walked two while giving up one run on six hits over seven innings Saturday to pick up his eighth win of the season. The outing lowered Burnett's season ERA to 4.29, as he been plagued by inconsistency while attempting to pitch through an inguinal hernia this season. Burnett will line up to face the Pirates on Thursday in his next scheduled start.