Burnett will start with the Pirates on Feb. 15 and work with the pitching staff for the next four-five days through Feb. 19-20<\/p>\n
The former Pirates pitcher will watch the pitching staff workout, provide advice he learned during his playing career and serve as a mentor for them as well, per the team.<\/p>\n
A.J. Burnett’s Tenure with the Pirates<\/p>\n
Burnett had two different stints with the Pirates, his first for two seasons, 2012-13, and then his second stint his final season in the major league at 38 years old in 2015.<\/p>\n
He joined the Pirates in a trade from the New York Yankees on Feb. 18, 2012 in exchange for Exicardo Cayones and Diego Moreno.<\/p>\n
![\"Pittsburgh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/01khez28t5s3q32fwh30.jpg\" "\\"Pittsburgh")
<\/p>\n
Oct 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher A.J. Burnett (34) delivers a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
It was a great three seasons for Burnett with the Pirates, where he had a strong ending to his career and pitched some of the best baseball in the major leagues.<\/p>\n
Stat<\/p>\n
Total<\/p>\n
Record (Starts)<\/p>\n
35-28 (87)<\/p>\n
ERA (Innings Pitched)<\/p>\n
3.34 (557.1)<\/p>\n
Strikeouts\/Walks (K\/BB) <\/p>\n
532\/137 (2.99)<\/p>\n
WHIP<\/p>\n
1.27<\/p>\n
Burnett had an impressive first season with the Pirates in 2012, with a 16-10 record, a 3.51 ERA over 202.1 innings pitched, 180 strikeouts to 62 walks, a 1.24 WHIP and a .246 batting average allowed (BAA).<\/p>\n
He excelled early on for Pittsburgh, becoming the first pitcher in franchise history to win eight games in a row since Dock Ellis did so in 2012.<\/p>\n
Burnett also threw a complete game, one-hitter in a 5-0 win over the Chicago Cubs on July 31. He was four outs away from throwing a no-hitter, before giving up a hit, but allowed just two hits and posted eight strikeouts in the win.<\/p>\n
The Pirates loved Burnett during his time with the team becoming a fan favorite after striking out Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez on Aug. 16 and telling him to “Sit the F— Down”, which turned into shirts for fans and a meme on social media. <\/p>\n
He improved to 13-3 after that complete game, but went 3-7 his final 12 starts with a 3.91 ERA, as the Pirates faltered the rest of that season, going from 16 games above .500 at Aug. 8, 63-47, to winning just 16 more games and losing 36, finishing 79-83 and their record 20th straight losing season.<\/p>\n
Burnett came back for the Pirates in 2013 and had another strong season, even with a 10-11 record in 30 starts.<\/p>\n
He posted a then career-low 3.30 ERA over 191.0 innings pitched, 209 strikeouts to 67 walks, a 1.22 WHIP and a .231 BAA.<\/p>\n
His play got the Pirates back in the postseason for the first time in 20 years and they got one game from making the NLCS.<\/p>\n
Burnett returned to the Pirates on a one-year, $8.5 million deal after a poor season with the Philadelphia Phillies and ended his career with the team in 2015.<\/p>\n
![\"Pittsburgh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/01khez41q5ssprte7x6c.jpg\" "\\"Pittsburgh")
<\/p>\n
Jul 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; National League pitcher A.J. Burnett (34) of the Pittsburg Pirates looks on during the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. The American League all stars won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
It was a great year for Burnett, who earned his first All-Star nod, posted a 9-7 record in 26 starts, a 3.18 ERA over 164.0 innings pitched, 143 strikeouts to 49 walks, a 1.36 WHIP and a .275 BAA.<\/p>\n
Burnett again helped the Pirates make the postseason and finish with a 98-64 record, their last playoff appearance. <\/p>\n
Pirates fans remember Burnett’s tenure fondly, with a no-nonsense attitude on the mound and for his success with the team.<\/p>\n