Could the Padres sign James Shields? It probably wasn’t something that many believed to be possible at the start of free agency, especially given the pitchers price tag. However, Shields’ market wasn’t as bountiful as he expected and the former Kansas City Royals ace had to drop his asking price.
That was all the Padres needed as they signed James Shields to a four-year contract on Sunday evening, this according to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish.
The Padres have agreed to sign free agent right-hander James Shields to a four-year contract that includes a club option for a fifth season, according to major-league sources. The deal is currently pending a physical, and is likely to be announced early in the week.
While official contract numbers have yet to be released, it’s believed James Shields’ contract with the San Diego Padres will be worth $72 to $78 million dollar range. The fifth-year option price is not known currently.
As for the deal, you can’t help but be thrilled with such a figure if you’re a Padres fan as Shields will likely thrive at Petco Park, not to mention the other cavernous stadiums in the National League West like Dodgers Stadium and AT&T Park.
James Shields was talented enough already, but throwing in a mass amount of pitcher friendly parks will only increase such.
As for Cole Hamels, it’s not known if San Diego will give up their pursuit for the Philadelphia Phillies ace, though the lone hold up would only be money as they have the minor league assets to get a trade done if they so incline.
