A.J. Burnett set career bests with 18 wins and 231 strikeouts this season for the Blue Jays. (Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

The Blue Jays are preparing to table a new four-year contract to A.J. Burnett in an effort to convince the potential free agent to remain with the team, the Toronto Star reported Saturday.

The new deal would add two years and $30 million US to the pitcher's existing contract, which still has two years remaining on it.

The proposed package, which has not yet been presented to Burnett's representatives, would total $54 million over four years.

Burnett is about to complete the third year of a five-year, $55-million US contract he signed prior to the 2006 season. He can opt out of the deal following the World Series, or collect $12 million over the final two years.

The new contract would bump his salary in 2011-12 to $15 million per year.

"I think that's probably a fair number," a source close to the negotiations told the Star. "I think that's where it will end up."

Burnett made his final start of the season in Wednesday's 6-2 home loss to the New York Yankees, who beat the Jays with Bobby Abreu's 10th-inning grand slam off reliever Jesse Carlson.

Burnett, 31, enjoyed a fine season in 2008, due mostly to his ability to stay healthy. Though his 4.07 ERA was the highest of his three seasons in Toronto, the fireballer set career bests with 18 wins and 231 strikeouts.

He also posted his highest totals as a Blue Jay in starts (34) and innings pitched (221).

The last time Burnett made more than 25 starts was in 2005, the year his contract with the Florida Marlins expired.

The Jays have several off-season needs, including a power bat. But a serious injury to No. 3 starter Shaun Marcum has recalibrated their sights.

"Our first priority is to try and keep A.J.," GM J.P. Ricciardi said Friday.

With files from the Canadian Press