There has seemingly been a lack of interest in free agent starting pitcher James Shields this offseason, perhaps because of the right-hander’s asking price. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, that price may be coming down.
Rosenthal reports that the Arizona Diamondbacks are in the mix to land Shields, which would seem to indicate that his market is south of $100 million. While Shields was reportedly offered a five-year, $110 million deal already, it was from a team he did not want to play for. Rosenthal is confident the D-Backs would not be willing to spend $100 million for Shields.
Shields, 33, has easily been one of the most durable pitchers in baseball throughout his eight-year career. He has made at least 30 starts and thrown more than 200 innings in each season since 2007. He posted a 14-8 record with a 3.21 ERA and impressive 1.18 WHIP with the Kansas City Royals last season.
It’s hard to believe a team like the Boston Red Sox, who are in need of a front-of-the-rotation starter, would not offer Shields something in the range of $100 million. Perhaps he’s looking for a more long-term deal, whereas the Red Sox would be more likely to give him more money and fewer years.
