MLB Trade Rumors: White Sox willing to trade James Shields

Recent MLB trade rumors suggest the Chicago White Sox could make starting pitcher James Shields available.

According to Jon Morosi, the Chicago White Sox will be listening to offers for James Shields now, as their playoff chances have dwindled. It has been a disappointing season overall for Shields, who has a 5-12 record and 4.68 ERA for the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox.

The White Sox acquired Shields from the Padres in the hope he would help them move up in the standings in the American League Central, but after slipping out of contention with a 50-50 record, they seem to have decided to become sellers.

Despite struggling for most of the season, Shields has been one of the best pitchers in baseball over the last month. In his last six starts, Shields has totaled a 1.71 ERA, and his trade value is on the rise.

After Chris Sale’s recent jersey-defacing antics, his name has been mentioned in rumors, but Shields is a far more likely candidate to be traded. Due to his performances of late, Shields will be going to the top of some of the contender’s wish lists, as he has been a solid pitcher throughout his career.

Morosi also reports that Shields is only owed $22 million dollars after this season, which makes moving him realistic for the White Sox. A team like the Texas Rangers would be a nice fit for Shields, as they have expressed a desire to acquire a starting pitcher.

Despite having the nickname ‘Big Game James,’ Shields hasn’t pitched well in his career during the postseason. In the playoffs, Shields has totaled a 3-6 record and 5.46 ERA. Even though his playoff numbers are poor, Shields is on a roll right now and can help a team reach the postseason if they acquire him.