The top free agent on the market, right-hander James Shields, is expected to sign this week according to Fox Sports reporter Jon Morosi.
Sources: James Shields has multiple offers in hand and is expected to sign by the end of this week. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 4, 2015
Shields' availability this late in free agency has been surprising, but his price is said to be descending and he's drawing interest from some new clubs. The New York Yankees are rumored to be in the mix, as well as the St. Louis Cardinals.
St. Louis' rotation took a hit when they dealt Shelby Miller to the Atlanta Braves for outfielder Jason Heyward, and slotted in 23-year-old fireballer Carlos Martinez. While Martinez has big upside, he struggled with his control in 2014, walking 3.63 batters per nine innings.
Shields has been a model of consistency throughout most of his career. In the past he's had rough ERA campaigns, but he has pitched 200-plus innings in eight straight seasons, and managed a sub-3.52 ERA in each of the past four seasons.
Unlike in Kansas City for the past two seasons, Shields would not be expected to serve as the No. 1 starter with Adam Wainwright holding that spot.
With the Yankees Shields would also make for a nice No. 2 starter. Masahiro Tanaka is likely their best pitcher, but his torn UCL may be cause for the Yanks to closely monitor his innings in 2015. CC Sabathia's tenure with the club likely puts him atop the rotation, but Shields can act as a No. 1 if they believe Sabathia's decline is too great, or as the No. 2 if they want to reduce Tanaka's starts.
Shields has also been linked to the Marlins, Padres, Blue Jays and Diamondbacks at different times.
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