Pitcher A.J. Burnett leaving Blue Jays

TORONTO, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Veteran Toronto righthander A.J. Burnett has decided to delve into free agency, opting out of the remaining two years on his Blue Jays contract.

The two years are worth $24 million.

Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, met with team officials Tuesday at the general managers meetings in Dana Point, Calif.

"They were great," Braunecker told the Toronto Star. "They anticipated it."

"We have not made a financial offer or a years offer," said Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi. "We knew all along that exercising his opt-out was something that he was going to do (but) we've talked about him wanting to be in Toronto. We'll see how it goes (and) will continue to have our dialogue though."

The 31-year-old Burnett was 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA last season and recorded an American League-best with a 231 strikeouts.

In 10 major league seasons starting with the Florida Marlins, he has an 87-76 record with a 3.81 ERA in 1,376 1/3 innings.