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James Shields rumors: Big market teams will target Shields in free agency

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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On Tuesday night, James Shields will start the American League Wild Card game for the Kansas City Royals. Come this off-season, however, he will be one of the most targeted starting pitchers in free agency.

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In a free agent market that will be loaded with top talent, Shields will be considered a top target for a number of teams. There might be teams that want to add starting pitching but do not necessarily want to go for broke on guys like Jon Lester and Max Scherzer. For those teams, Shields could be a good option as a fringe-ace at a cheaper price.

When he does hit the market, Shields will have suitors from teams in MLB’s big markets. According to Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star:

"A robust market awaits Shields this winter, according to a survey of rival officials by The Star. His list of suitors is expected to include big-market teams in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. The consensus is his final contract would last four or five seasons and cost between $80 and $110 million."

The Red Sox and Cubs seem like particularly interesting teams to watch in the Shields sweepstakes.

Shields went 14-8 in the 2014 regular season with a 3.21 ERA and a 7.1 K/9 mark.

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