MLB

MLB Rumors: Top 5 Updated Landing Spots For James Shields

MLB Rumors: Top 5 Updated Landing Spots For James Shields

James Shields Kansas City Royals
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

James Shields has yet to ink a contract this offseason, and remains one of two highly-prized hurlers available on the open market. The 33-year-old veteran is one of the most dependable starting pitchers in baseball, logging at least 227.0 innings in each of the past four seasons. Despite his postseason struggles, Shields is a proven difference-maker. As his market begins to thin, a deal could soon be completed with one of five potential suitors.

5. Kansas City Royals

James Shields MLB Rumors
Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

5. Kansas City Royals

James Shields MLB Rumors
Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Royals are a seeming long shot to re-sign their former ace. Shields was highly productive for the Royals in two seasons, recording an 8.2 WAR over 68 starts. He was a big component of the Royals' resurgent rotation in 2014, fueling an appearance in the World Series. But Shields' big game struggles deflated the Royals' electric October run, and could ultimately be too pricey for Kansas City's pocketbook.

4. Boston Red Sox

Ben Cherington Boston Red Sox
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

4. Boston Red Sox

Ben Cherington Boston Red Sox
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Sox have made big strides toward reclaiming the AL East this offseason, at least on paper. GM Ben Cherington has actively pursued upgrades across the Sox's roster, but has yet to acquire a clear-cut ace atop the rotation. Shields could provide Boston with the top-of-the-rotation arm they need to overtake the ascending Baltimore Orioles in 2015. Even though Boston hasn't been recently linked to Shields, it remains a possible landing spot.

3. New York Yankees

Brian Cashman New York Yankees
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

3. New York Yankees

Brian Cashman New York Yankees
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees endured a tumultuous 2014 campaign, in large part due to several crushing injuries to their rotation. GM Brian Cashman has bolstered the Yanks' rotation to some extent, acquiring hard-throwing righty Nathan Eovaldi from the Miami Marlins earlier this offseason. New York is banking on effective comeback efforts from C.C. Sabathia and Masahiro Tanaka this season, but could benefit from the addition of another proven arm.

2. Toronto Blue Jays

Alex Anthopoulos Toronto Blue Jays
Mathew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2. Toronto Blue Jays

Alex Anthopoulos Toronto Blue Jays
Mathew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The upstart Toronto Blue Jays folded down the stretch in 2014 after a mostly strong first half, and need to bolster their pitching staff in order to contend for the entirety of a 162-game marathon. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Blue Jays have entered the market for Shields due to a reportedly declining price tag. But the Blue Jays have already allocated big money to catcher Russell Martin, and could still be out-priced.

1. Detroit Tigers

Dave Dombrowski Detroit Tigers
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

1. Detroit Tigers

Dave Dombrowski Detroit Tigers
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

After re-signing David Price to a record deal in arbitration, the Detroit Tigers may look toward a cheaper alternative over Max Scherzer to fill out their rotation. The Tigers are ready to win now, but need to solidify their starting five in order to maximize their title hopes. Shields, a former teammate and friend of Price, could be a perfect fit. According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, Shields' agent, Paul Odle, has been in contact with Detroit.

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