James Shields is one of the biggest fish remaining on the free agent market, and according to reports he's commanding a big fish-level of compensation.
With big market clubs such as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants reportedly involved in the chase, Shields is said to be asking for five years and $110 million, putting him in line with the remainder of Phillies ace Cole Hamels' contract.
In 2014 Shields went 14-8, recording a 3.21 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP and 180 strikeouts in 227 innings of work. While he proved to be a No. 1-caliber workhorse during the regular season, his stock took a hit with another poor postseason.
Despite his Royals reaching the World Series, Shields posted a 6.12 ERA in five postseason starts. He allowed 17 earned runs and four home runs while opponents batted .330 against him.
His career postseason numbers are almost as ugly. In nine playoff series Shields has accumulated a 3-6 record with a 5.46 ERA and 1.53 WHIP.
Shields' free agency is being held up somewhat by the presence of former AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer. Last season Scherzer was lights out, going 18-5 with a 3.15 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Scherzer is commanding well over $200 million this offseason, but has compiled a 39-8 record over the past two seasons, and performed better in October over the course of five series.
The Yankees were expected to be hotly pursuing a big name on the pitching market, but made smaller moves to fortify their rotation last week. They dealt utility infielder Martin Prado and swing pitcher David Phelps to Miami for lefty fireballer Nathan Eovaldi and slugging righty Garrett Jones. They also re-signed left-hander Chris Capuano.
The Red Sox whiffed on Lester, and upgraded their own rotation by trading Yoenis Cespedes for young Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello. The Boston rotation still could use some work though, as Porcello isn't viewed by many as an ace.
Finally the Giants, who won the World Series behind the arm of Madison Bumgarner have money to spend after Pablo Sandoval ditched them this offseason. They may try to add another power arm to bolster Bumgarner's support.
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