James Shields is the top player left on the free agent market and with the MLB season starting up soon, he could sign by the end of this week and teams like the NY Yankees, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals and Miami Marlins could be potential options for the starting pitcher.
Shields is the top name left after Jon Lester and Max Scherzer signed and now he could sign soon, according to ESPN.com. CSN Chicago reports that the Cubs are "kicking the tires" on Shields, while teams like the NY Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Padres, St. Louis Cardinals and Marlins could be potential targets to sign Shields. The Padres have been interested in a Cole Hamels trade and they could sign Shields instead of making that move, as Hamels has a big contract attached to him.
Shields comes in after having another strong season with a 14-8 record and he helped his team make it to the World Series. Shields went for 200 innings again last year with 180 strikeouts and a 3.21 ERA and he could be a very strong number three or two starter for a number of teams. The Yankees are a seemingly logical option, as they have money to spend if they want to and desperately need some more healthy arms in the rotation.
The Yankees dealt with injuries to CC Sabathia and Masahiro Tanaka last season and will be without Ivan Nova for a while with Tommy John surgery and they could use the depth. Joel Sherman at the NY Post writes that the team did a good job of filling needs this offseason while keeping payroll down, but they have a glaring need in the rotation. Shields is a perfect fit, as he is an innings eater and that is what the Yankees need. Last season the bullpen was taxed and while they brought in Andrew Miller and have Dellin Betances, they need their pitchers to go deeper into games this season. Shields has the "Big Game" nickname and while that may not be totally accurate, he can stay in games for six and seven innings and that is what the Yankees need.
Shields has pitched in at least 200 innings in eight straight seasons and he has not been injury prone either, which is big for anyone signing him. Shields has made at least 30 starts every year but his rookie season and he comes in while putting up a sub 3.50 ERA in three of the past four years, including in 2011 when he had a 2.82 Era for the Rays. The Cubs reportedly are looking at Shields after signing Jon Lester, while the Marlins also remain in play for him.
The Yankees are always lurking, while ESPN.com reports that the Royals have decided to move on and not sign back Shields. The Diamondbacks were mentioned early, but they are out of it, while the Red Sox could also look at him despite the depth they have already after adding Rick Porcello and Joe Kelly.
