Marlins Rumors: James Shields A Possible Target?

By Hayden Kane | Nov 18, 2014

Sep 10, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields (33) walks off the field after the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Miami Marlins are reportedly expressing interest in free agent starting pitcher James Shields as the MLB hot stove heats up.

When the Marlins signed Giancarlo Stanton to a 13-year mega deal worth $325 million, they promised the young slugger that they were committed to winning right now. No more bait-and-switch tactics. No more fire sales. Owner Jeffrey Loria and company told Stanton that they were going to build a winning team around him.

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The Stanton deal has not even been officially announced yet, and already the Marlins look like they are ready to make good on that promise.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Marlins have expressed interest in free agent starting pitcher James Shields. The pitcher would come at quite the cost, however. From Rosenthal:

Sources: #Marlins interested in Shields. Would cost team No. 12 pick in draft plus $$$. GM Dan Jennings drafted Shields for #Rays in 2000.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 19, 2014

Being the gentleman that he is, Rosenthal noted that he is not the first to hear these grumblings about Shields and the Marlins:

#Marlins’ interest in Shields previously had been mentioned by @JimBowden_ESPN and in October by @JoeFrisaro.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 19, 2014

Presumably Shields will want to wait for Max Scherzer and Jon Lester to sign first to set the market and drive up his price tag as the clear third option in free agency. If the market plays out that way, it should be interesting to see if the Marlins can still make a competitive offer or not.

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