5 Teams Most Likely to Acquire James Shields Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

5 Teams Most Likely to Acquire James Shields Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

By David Miller

July 12, 2015

5 Teams Most Likely to Acquire James Shields Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

James Shields — There is so much to like about James Shields that it is understandable why most San Diego Padres fans will hope that he remains right where he is, which he still very well may. The fact of the matter, however, is that the Padres might see it as a better option to flip him for a big return in a fight for contention next season instead of keeping him for the same purpose this year. Here are five teams that might make a play for Shields.

There is so much to like about James Shields that it is understandable why most San Diego Padres fans will hope that he remains right where he is, which he still very well may. The fact of the matter, however, is that the Padres might see it as a better option to flip him for a big return in a fight for contention next season instead of keeping him for the same purpose this year. Here are five teams that might make a play for Shields.

5. Los Angeles Angels

James Shields

5. Los Angeles Angels

James Shields — The Angels are interested in getting to--and staying at the top--of their division, and they might well have the best shot at adding a huge pitcher in Shields. It is not necessarily the move they will choose to make, but if they trade one of their top pitchers away for offense, don't be surprised if they make a play for Shields.

The Angels are interested in getting to--and staying at the top--of their division, and they might well have the best shot at adding a huge pitcher in Shields. It is not necessarily the move they will choose to make, but if they trade one of their top pitchers away for offense, don't be surprised if they make a play for Shields.

4. Toronto Blue Jays

James Shields

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4. Toronto Blue Jays

James Shields — Out of all available pitchers, the Blue Jays will want to take a look at everyone who is anyone in hopes of bolstering their rotation, and that search will not exclude Shields. It would make a lot of sense for them to attempt to up their staff by adding the always-reliable Shields.

Out of all available pitchers, the Blue Jays will want to take a look at everyone who is anyone in hopes of bolstering their rotation, and that search will not exclude Shields. It would make a lot of sense for them to attempt to up their staff by adding the always-reliable Shields.

3. Baltimore Orioles

James Shields

3. Baltimore Orioles

James Shields — While the Orioles certainly seem to want some offensive help, they also need some meat added in their starting rotation. They might be one of the overall best options for Shields if the Padres truly decided to trade him.

While the Orioles certainly seem to want some offensive help, they also need some meat added in their starting rotation. They might be one of the overall best options for Shields if the Padres truly decided to trade him.

2. Houston Astros

James Shields

2. Houston Astros

James Shields — Everyone is talking about how the Astros want to add to their rotation. They have the right pieces on offense, but their pitching could be helped out a little bit. Adding Shields might just push them towards the top of the AL once again.

Everyone is talking about how the Astros want to add to their rotation. They have the right pieces on offense, but their pitching could be helped out a little bit. Adding Shields might just push them towards the top of the AL once again.

1. Chicago Cubs

James Shields

1. Chicago Cubs

James Shields — For all of the teams that have been linked to interest in Shields, the Cubs are clearly the front-runner. It actually has been discussed by the teams if rumor is to be believed. They might be behind in the NL Central race, but they are right in the thick of the wildcard race and might indeed be the place Shields ends up.

For all of the teams that have been linked to interest in Shields, the Cubs are clearly the front-runner. It actually has been discussed by the teams if rumor is to be believed. They might be behind in the NL Central race, but they are right in the thick of the wildcard race and might indeed be the place Shields ends up.

Teams in this article »

San Diego Padres

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