The Texas Rangers announced today that the team will not exercise its 2000 contract option on right handed pitcher John Burkett. As a result, Burkett is eligible to file for free agency.
Burkett, whose 2000 option called for a salary of $4,200,000.00, will receive a buyout of $450,000.00.
Burkett was 9-8 with a 5.62 earned run average in 30 games/25 starts with the Rangers in 1999. Acquired from Florida in August, 1996, he is 32-35 in 102 games/97 starts with the Rangers. His career major league record is 119-101 in 319 games/308 starts with the Giants, Marlins, and Rangers.