MLB Chicago Cubs

James Shields Would Give the Chicago Cubs Best Rotation in MLB

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Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Free agent pitcher James Shields has generated virtually no hot stove buzz this offseason after being originally perceived as one of the most sought-after pitchers on the open market. Shields changed the culture of the Kansas City Royals in just two seasons contributing to their rise from the sewer of MLB into the American League Champions, but his age has brought his financial worth into question.

Shields, 33, made a name for himself with the Tampa Bay Rays being named to the AL All-Star team in 2011, and finishing third in Cy Young voting during the same season. He has easily become one of the most consistently successful pitchers in the majors, and will be a top-flight starter wherever he lands this offseason. Shields’ time to make a decision is dwindling with Spring Training right around the corner, and a team with familiar ties to Shields is emerging as a top candidate to acquire Big Game James.

The Chicago Cubs are reportedly in full pursuit of Shields who pitched his first seven seasons in the league under new Cubs manager, Joe Maddon. Shields announced he will make his decision by the end of the week, and the Cubs are on his short list of potential suitors.

Shields would immediately give the Cubs the best rotation in baseball, and would create a nasty one-two punch with newly-signed left-handed pitcher Jon Lester. There’s only one problem: money.

The Cubs have spent a copious amount of money this offseason, and President of Baseball Operations, Theo Epstein, has said it is unlikely that the team will add another big-name free-agent.

A positive historical fact for the financial sake of the Cubs is that no MLB free-agent has ever signed a deal worth more than $50 million after February 1. With Shields’ resume, it is likely he will demand a contract closer to $100 million depending on how many years he signs for.

If Shields wants to join a team with the highest upside in the league, it is conceivable that both sides could agree to a feasible contract that will make a deal happen. The result would be a rotation consisting of Lester, Shields, Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel, and Kyle Hendricks. An absolutely lethal starting five.

The Cubs are already the most-improved team this offseason, and by the end of the week, they could be even better. Exciting times are ahead on the North Side of Chicago.

Dan Marmaduke is a Chicago Cubs, NFL, and NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarmadukeSports and add him to your network on Google.

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