A.J. Burnett is going to test the free agent market.
Burnett's agent Darek Braunecker told the Toronto Blue Jays of his client's decision on Tuesday.
"It's not official yet but we're in the process of doing the paperwork," Darek Braunecker told The Canadian Press. "It's a formality at this point."
The 31-year-old had an option to return to the Blue Jays and make $24 million over the next two seasons.
Braunecker told the team Burnett would still consider signing with them.
"Our talks with (the Blue Jays) have been productive and we will still continue our talks with them," said Braunecker to The Canadian Press. "This is something we needed to do just to give us the opportunity to assess the market and who the other interested parties are."
Due to a strong season in 2008, Burnett is expected to be one of the most sought after pitchers on the market with the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and New York Mets all believed to be interested.
In 2008, Burnett went 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA and 231 strikeouts over his 221.1 innings.