James Shields reportedly deciding on final offer from Padres

James Shields is in deep negotiations with the San Diego Padres and reports suggest the ball is in his court.

Baseball reporter Scott Miller said Saturday that negotiations were heating up between the two sides and gaining momentum. He later said there was an “impasse” and that the ball is in Shields’ court.

Update: Impasse now between Padres & Shields after flurry of talks over last several hours. Sources: Ball in Shields' court.

— Scott Miller (@ScottMillerBbl) February 7, 2015

ESPN’s Jim Bowden says the Padres made their final offer to Shields and it is up to him to accept the offer.

The Padres and Shields are not at an impasse….rather Shields has to decide if he wants to accept their last and final offer….#Padres

— Jim Bowden (@JimBowden_ESPN) February 7, 2015

Shields was one of the top free agent pitchers on the market but did not agree to a deal over the winter meetings or ensuing months. Now that it is February, it is very unlikely that he will receive the type of contract he was seeking. He will likely end up accepting a deal for fewer years and money than he was hoping for, but at least with San Diego, he would be looking at a vastly improved team that should be able to provide offensive support.