MLB: Top Free Agent Starting Pitchers Available This Winter

Aug 17, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) walks to the dugout after being replaced in the seventh inning of their game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Braves won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

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James Shields (14-8, 3.21 ERA, 227 innings, 124 ERA+)

James Shields just helped lead the Kansas City Royals into the World Series this season. He had another great season. For the eighth consecutive season, he threw more than 200 innings. He had a WHIP of 1.18.

Would he leave Kansas City, the place where he has performed magic on the pitching staff? Would the Royals let him slip away?

It is reported that the Royals are preparing a 5-year, $80 million offer to retain Shields.That might be an offer that is about right for him.

Of course, there are other suitors for Shields, and that price could go up. I would be weary of that, though.

How much do you value the regular season?

Shields has pitched very well in the regular season. He has the nickname “Big game James” but he hasn’t earned it, at least in the postseason.

Shields owns a 3-4 record in the postseason, with a 5.19 ERA and a WHIP of 1.47. In nine postseason games, he has allowed 4 or more earned runs four times. Not very big game like.

With that being said, the point of the regular season is to get to the postseason, and Shields will help a team do that. I would expect him to stay in Kansas City, but if the New York Yankees or the Chicago Cubs come calling with their big wallets, he will bolt.

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