Boston Red Sox Rumors: James Shields to be Plan B free agent target
By Josh Hill
The Boston Red Sox thought they were going to get Jon Lester back if they traded him before the non-waiver deadline this summer and while that may still be the case, backup options are being pursued.
More from Boston Red Sox
- After frantic trade day, Kiké Hernandez grateful for second chance with Dodgers
- MLB Rumors: Potential Braves reunion, Lance Lynn no-trade clause and Orioles deadline intentions
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers reunite with familiar face in Red Sox deal
- MLB Rumors: Braves trade package, White Sox-Reds deal, Mets disaster
Boston doesn’t have the coin to go out and overpay Max Scherzer or David Price but they do have eyes on another American League pitcher who is having a so-so season with a ton of upside for the future. Kansas City Royals ace James Shields likely won’t be back with the team next season which means he’ll be hunting for a free agent deal this winter.
According to WEEI in Boston, Jon Lester remains the top priority for the Red Sox but counting out James Shields as a close second option isn’t a smart thing to do.
"Jon Lester may be Plan A, but James Shields won’€™t be that far behind.While most are rightfully focusing on the Red Sox‘€™ chances of bringing back Lester via free agency, according to sources, the team will be eyeing the current Kansas City ace, a familiar name in American League East circles, this offseason."
Shields will be one of the top pitching options on the market this offseason in baseball but he’s not going to get top dollar. That being said, once the pitching market is set by David Price or Max Scherzer, everyone including Shields is going to want to come close to that mark.
That’s not to say Shields isn’t worth a big contract, but the market may inflate in the 2015 offseason which means that the Red Sox will have to shell out some serious coin one way or the other to land an ace.
Be sure to stay glued to FanSided’s MLB Rumors page to stay up to date with the latest action and rumbling from the baseball hot stove this trade season.