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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 players on the trade block

By Jason Evans

Aug 18, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) reacts after getting out of the fourth inning with the bases loaded on a double play against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) reacts after getting out of the fourth inning with the bases loaded on a double play against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 25, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) throws to the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) throws to the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

5. P- James Shields

The San Diego Padres were all in last year and were the darlings of the off-season. They didn’t even make the playoffs. Now, they have six picks in the top 85, and if they can hit on those picks. they can rebuild rather quickly.

One of the moves the Padres made was signing James Shields, to a contract through 2018, with an option for 2019. Shields does have the option to opt-out after this season and leave $63 million on the table, plus the possibility of $16 million extra with the option.

Shields is durable. He’s thrown over 200 innings every season since 2007. During that time, he’s also recorded double-digit wins every year.

Shields struck out over 200 batters last season, for the first time since 2012. however, he gave up 33 homers, while pitching his home games at Petco Park, which is a bit concerning.

One thing to be concerned about with Shields is his velocity. Per Fangraphs, his fastball is down to just an average of a little over 90 MPH, though his contact rate last year was down to 72% which was his lowest in years.

Shields is going to be available and is already. He may not be the pitcher that he once was, but he could make a difference in a contender’s rotation down the stretch of the season, while logging some important innings for a staff.

For the Padres, getting a prospect or two for Shields can help accelerate their rebuilding plan.

Next: 4. Jonathan Lucroy

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