One of the main reasons the pirates did this deal was to spend more money. They have been dangerously low on payroll for many years and even got the MLBPA to ask to see their books to make sure they were not pocketing the revenue.
The issue with the Pirates is that to spend money they generally have to really overpay. Also many times they offer the most money to a FA only to have them turn them down to sign elsewhere or in the case of players like Oswalt, wait at home hoping a deal comes.
Deals like this basically are good for them because Burnett really can't demand more money and since his no trade clause didn't have them on the list he can't say no to the deal.
This allows them to get a player who is a viable ML player who will help the team (good lord Corriea pitched like poop in the 2nd half) even if he repeats his last 2 years.
The issue with the Pirates is that to spend money they generally have to really overpay. Also many times they offer the most money to a FA only to have them turn them down to sign elsewhere or in the case of players like Oswalt, wait at home hoping a deal comes.
Deals like this basically are good for them because Burnett really can't demand more money and since his no trade clause didn't have them on the list he can't say no to the deal.
This allows them to get a player who is a viable ML player who will help the team (good lord Corriea pitched like poop in the 2nd half) even if he repeats his last 2 years.