Updated 7:35pm CST – According to Jon Paul Morosi, the Padres “most recent offer” to James Shields was four years for between $72-80 million.”
Updated 11:35am CST – Bruce Levine confirmed the Cubs are trying to make a late-push to sign James Shields. Levine’s report indicates the Cubs stepped up their efforts 10 days ago. And not only has Joe Maddon been in on the recruiting process, but Jon Lester also contacted Shields according to Levine. The Cubs value Shields on a three-year contract, not the four-year deal he’s likely on the verge of signing with the Padres.
Updated 11:39am CST – According to Jeff Passan “it would be a big upset if the Padres don’t get James Shields,” GMs that Passan has talked to think Shields ends up in San Diego.
Updated 12:48pm CST – According to Jeff Passan, guesses within baseball have Shields signing for four years in the $72-75 million range. Shields’ agent has “told others he has a bigger offer.”
Based on numerous reports, it appears to be just a matter of time before there is an announcement that James Shields has agreed to terms with the San Diego Padres.
The Cubs are “seen as the major outside threat” according to Jon Heyman, but based on the quantity and confidence of the reports, Shields is on the verge of signing a four-year contract to pitch near the top of the Padres’ rotation.
The Padres reportedly gave Shields their best and final offer on Saturday night which is expected to be for four years with an AAV (average annual value) between $17-20 million. Jon Paul Morosi reported Sunday morning that Shields was considering an offer from the Padres, basically confirming the reports from the previous 12 hours.
According to Buster Olney, teams he’s asked would not be surprised if the Padres sign Shields in the $50-60 million range over three years with a vesting option for a fourth season. But Jim Bowden is expecting Shields to sign a four-year contract in the $72-80 million range.
The San Diego Union-Tribune indicated Sunday morning Shields could make a decision at some point Sunday or Monday … the same 36-hour timeframe as previously reported.
The Blue Jays and Marlins appear to be out of the running for James Shields. And Jon Heyman confirmed the Cardinals are no longer interested in signing Shields. Previous reports connected the Cardinals to Shields as John Mozeliak attempts to add depth to his rotation.
From all indications the Cubs have been interested in James Shields throughout the off-season. As the Shields market came back to them, the front office tried to make a late push but it appears the Cubs will come up short in their pursuit of James Shields.
- Full Report from Jon Heyman
- Full Report from Buster Olney
- Full Report from the San Diego Union-Tribune