The Toronto Blue Jays busy offseason may include big-time help for their starting rotation in the form of right-hander James Shields, according to reports. Shields was rumored to have a five-year, $110 million offer on the table, but now is expected to receive a contract in the $70-80 million range.
Toronto isn't believed to be having conversations with Shields' agent Page Odle yet, but they're "digging" for info. If they are serious about landing him they will have to contend with the Detroit Tigers, who lost 2013 AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer this weekend to the Washington Nationals.
Scherzer inked a seven-year, $180 million deal with D.C., leaving former ace Justin Verlander, who struggled mightily in 2014, as the team's No. 2 starter. While Scherzer will be very difficult to replace, Shields is a stellar complementary option.
Postseason blowup aside, Shields' has been one of MLB's most consistent regular season hurlers. In 2014 he tossed 227 innings, compiling a 14-8 record, 3.21 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. It marked the eighth consecutive season in which he amassed more than 200 innings, and third season in his last four with a sub-3.50 ERA. He also has a very close personal relationship with Tigers ace David Price.
His postseason struggles could be a problem. Detroit has had loaded teams heading into the last several October's only to flame out. That has largely been because of shoddy bullpen work, but now without Scherzer their rotation seems more vulnerable.
The situation for Toronto with Shields is different. Heading to Canada means Shields will reprise his role as a No. 1 hoss, expected to carry a young staff like he did with the Kansas City Royals.
Aside from those two clubs, the Arizona Diamondbacks remain in the picture. Shields would slot in as their top starter as well.
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