It’s been a rough offseason for James Shields, who off a wonderful campaign with the Kansas City Royals, felt he’d likely cash in come free agency. That hasn’t been the case as multiple teams have turned down offers for his services, at least at his formerly elevated price tag.
Now with rumors of his asking number dropping, some teams have shown a new (or possibly renewed) interest in James Shields including the Toronto Blue Jays as noted by the Boston Globe. Unfortunately for the Jays, they don’t really have the available funds to sign Shields which would suggest the two finding a middle ground is nearly impossible.
A few executives suspect Toronto could become interested should it get more salary commitment from Rogers Communications, but for now the budget only allows for a bullpen upgrade or two.
If the Blue Jays were able to potentially move some salary or convince James Shields to accept a one-year offer, perhaps a deal could be possible though at the current time it doesn’t seem as if the numbers will work out.
The San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox and Shield’s former team, the Kansas City Royals all had varying degrees of interest in the veteran pitcher but seemingly checked out on signing him earlier this week.
Toronto is also said to have interest in infielder Everth Cabrera.
