Max Scherzer signed a megadeal with the Washington Nationals, leaving James Shields as the lone free agent starting pitcher that people are waiting on to sign. Many are shocked that Shields has not yet found a new home, as he was considered one of the top free agent starting pitchers heading into the offseason.
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At various points this offseason, Shields has been rumored to be a target of no fewer than 15 teams around the majors, including the Boston Red Sox, Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and St. Louis Cardinals.
However, aside from rumors that Shields had an offer for around $110 million from a mystery team, it has not seemed like the former Royal has been close to signing anywhere at any point.
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According to ESPN, Shields himself may be to blame for the lack of interest. The pitcher does have a stellar track record, but he is 33 years old, and he has already pitched more than 2,000 innings in his career, which is a lot of mileage.
Couple his age and workload with a desire for a contract in the $100 million range over five years, and it becomes a bit clearer why he is still available. Shields will undoubtedly be able to help a team in 2015, but there are legitimate concerns that he may break down or lose his effectiveness in the coming years. No team wants to be stuck paying a third or fourth starter $20 million per season as they approach their 40th birthday.
Recently, the Padres have been rumored as the lone suitor for Shields, but other teams are getting back into the race now that spring training is around the corner. "What I see now is a lot of teams jumping back in," said one exec. "But part of the reason is, they're saying, 'We know now he's not getting $110 million, so why not jump back in?' But the problem is, now everyone is bottom-feeding. And when you're someone like him, that's the last thing you want, is a lot of teams bottom-feeding on you in late January."
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