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Report: San Diego Padres favorites to sign James Shields

By Stanford Crissey

Oct 26, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning during game five of the 2014 World Series at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning during game five of the 2014 World Series at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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San Diego is believed to be the free agent starter’s most likely destination

James Shields, the free agent ace pitcher, is believed to be close to making a decision, and sources believe that the Padres have become the most likely team to sign him.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Padres are the latest team to be named the frontrunners to sign Shields this offseason.

Shields is the last major free agent on the market, and this is one of the latest dates such a major free agent has waited to sign. The past two years, players such as Ervin Santana and Kyle Lohse signed in March, mostly because teams were wary of giving up a first-round draft pick in order to sign them. For Shields, on the other hand, this was not thought to be an issue, as an ace pitcher such as Shields would be worth the pick. Basically, this means that Shields hasn’t signed because he’s taking his time, not because teams aren’t interested.

Nightengale previously reported that Shields was seeking a deal of 5 years and $125 million, while teams were offering closer to 4 years and $80 million, so it is most likely money that’s kept him on the market so long. One report said that he had a $110 million offer on the table from an NL team, but turned it down because he did not want to play for them.

At this point in the offseason, however, he will most likely have to settle for less money if he wants to be on a major league roster come Opening Day.

The 33-year-old Shields is a workhorse pitcher, making either 33 or 34 starts in each of the last seven seasons for the Rays and Royals, and has never hit the disabled list. He has a career 3.72 ERA, and has been worth an average of 3.5 wins above replacement (WAR) per season, according to Fangraphs.

The Padres have remade their roster this offseason, bringing in big names such as Justin Upton, Matt Kemp, Derek Norris, and Brandon Morrow, and clearly have an eye toward contention next season. A pitcher such as Shields could help put them over the top.

At various points this offseason, he has been tied to the Giants, Marlins, and Blue Jays.

Pitchers and catchers begin to report on Feb. 18, and if Shields doesn’t make up his mind very soon, there’s a good chance he won’t be out there with them.

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