Report: San Diego Padres offer James Shields a contract
The San Diego Padres have offered a contract to former Kansas City Royals pitcher James Shields.
With Padres pitchers and catchers scheduled to report to spring training in 11 days, the 33-year-old ace is said to have "multiple offers in hand" and is near a decision.
Shields, who rejected a one-year qualifying offer from the Royals in November, went 14-6 with a 3.21 ERA in 34 regular season games in 2014. He helped the Royals reach the World Series for the first time in 29 seasons.
• Preller revamps Padres with a series of blockbusters
Adding Shields would bolster a Padres roster that has already been through significant turnover this offseason.
With San Diego going 77-85 in 2014, new GM A.J. Preller went on a free agent signing spree in December, acquiring Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks, Oakland Athletics catcher Derek Norris, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Wil Myers and Atlanta Braves outfielder Justin Upton over a span of eight days.
- Will Green
