• Multiple executives say they were told by the agent for Hiroki Kuroda that the free-agent right-hander will get between $11 million and $13 million per year. A source close to Kuroda says no such claim was made.

Kuroda, who turns 37 on Feb. 10, may have received an offer at that level from a Japanese club or a major-league team that does not interest him. His representative continues to circle back to other major-league teams, sources say.

• The Yankees have had no success in their efforts to trade right-hander A.J. Burnett, who is owed $16.5 million in each of the next two seasons.

The Pirates expressed interest at one point, sources say, and a rival executive speculated that the Braves could pursue Burnett if they trade right-hander Jair Jurrjens; the Braves finished second to the Yankees in the free-agent bidding for Burnett after the 2008 season.

Burnett, however, is guaranteed $16.5 million in each of the next two seasons, and teams are asking the Yankees to pay most or all of his remaining salary, sources say.

The Yankees still want to add a starting pitcher, but are discouraged by the current prices of free agents such as Kuroda, Roy Oswalt and Edwin Jackson.

• Free-agent left-hander Joe Saunders is entertaining one- and two-year offers and might even command a three-year deal, sources say.

The Orioles are known to be interested, and Saunders also would fit nicely for the Tigers, who lack a proven left-handed starter.

The Marlins, another team that has discussed Saunders, are more focused on the trade market, sources say. Rays right-hander Wade Davis remains one of the Marlins’ targets.

— Ken Rosenthal