According to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi, the Arizona Diamondbacks are among the clubs “in the mix” for prized free agent right-hander James Shields.
Sources: #DBacks in mix for Shields, a strong indication that his market is not at $100M; AZ is not willing to spend for him at that level.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal)
Shields was offered a $110 million deal by an unnamed club, but rejected on the grounds of not wanting to play for the particular club.
Shields did not want to go to team that made $110M offer, source tells me and @jonmorosi. An NL GM had speculated that, per @nickcafardo.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 13, 2015
As Rosenthal notes, Arizona’s interest is likely an indication that Shields’ market (besides the aforementioned outlier club) has yet to reach the nine figure range, as it doesn’t seem likely that the Diamondbacks would step up to spend that kind of money.
The Giants, Red Sox, Yankees, Angels, and Tigers all seem to have the money and the need for a player like Shields. Then there are smaller market clubs like the Diamondbacks, Padres, and Marlins that could also be possible landing spots.
Over the past four years, Shields owns a 3.17 ERA, 124 ERA+, 8.0 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, and 15.3 WAR. The Diamondbacks have made a flurry of moves this offseason to bolster their starting rotation, and shock their lineup with impact bats such as Yasmany Tomas. While no one expects the Dbacks to compete for 1st place next year, continuing to add top talent should get them close to striking distance.
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