MLB Trade Rumors: A.J. Burnett Discussed in Potential Deal to Indians

For days, it's been reported that the Yankees would likely move A.J. Burnett to the Pirates.

Now, reports say the pitcher could be headed somewhere else.

John Heyman of CBS Sports says there have been trade discussions between the Yankees and Indians.

A potential deal would involve Burnett and Cleveland designated hitter Travis Hafner.

Pittsburgh still remains the favorite to land Burnett, but New York has been in contact with Cleveland about moving the starting pitcher.

Hafner hit 13 home runs and drove in 57 runs in 94 games last season. He is a former first baseman, but played all of his games at DH in 2011. Hafner hasn't played in the field since 2007.

The biggest issue to be worked out in a potential deal is the amount of money the Yankees would have to pay on Burnett's remaining contract. Burnett is owed $33 million over the next two years. Whoever lands the pitcher will probably pay about one-third of his salary.

The Yankees have six potential starting pitchers on their roster. They hope to trade Burnett to make room for Phil Hughes to enter the rotation. New York would likely use the money they save in a trade to sign a left-handed batter if they don't receive one in a deal.

Hafner will make $13 million this upcoming season in the final year of his deal.

Burnett is one game under .500 with a 4.79 ERA in his Yankee career. New York signed Burnett to a five year, $82.5 million dollar contract prior to the 2009 season.