It seems inevitable the New York Yankees will trade starting pitcher A.J. Burnett in the coming days, but according to Jim Bowden of ESPN, a deal should be finalized in the next 24 hours with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bowden later tweeted that the Pirates are finishing up work on their end while the Yankees weigh one last proposal, perhaps from another team.

The news doesn't come as a surprise, though, because it had been reported the club set a soft deadline for this Saturday. Commissioner Bud Selig will need to approve the deal because of the large amount of money being sent/received, but other than that, a trade seems 99% likely. With all the rumors, buzz and anticipation, it's hard to see the Yankees bringing Burnett into spring training, knowing what kind of distraction that would be.

Burnett, 35, signed a five-year, $82.5 million deal with the Yankees three years ago. He's under contract for $33 million over the next two years.

• Twitter / @JimBowdenESPNxm:NYY-PGH close to finalizing deal w/ Burnett.should get done in next 24 hours according to source;NYY weighing one last offer from other team
• Twitter / @JimBowdenESPNxm: Pirates still working through the details at their end this hour NYY weighing one last proposal at their end this hour...tick tock tick tock