Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com has the scoop ...
Rosenthal says it “may be impossible” for the D’Backs to fit Shields into their current payroll, but they could free up money by trading catcher Miguel Montero or second baseman Aaron Hill. There is a clear need for a front-line starter in Arizona, and new chief baseball officer Tony La Russa is exploring all of his options.
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So far, we’ve heard very little about the market for free-agent right-hander James Shields.
Well, here is one interested team:
The Arizona Diamondbacks.
Rosenthal says it “may be impossible” for the D’Backs to fit Shields into their current payroll, but they could free up money by trading catcher Miguel Montero or second baseman Aaron Hill. There is a clear need for a front-line starter in Arizona, and new chief baseball officer Tony La Russa is exploring all of his options.
Shields registered a 3.21 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 180/44 K/BB ratio across 227 innings (34 starts) this past season for the American League-champion Royals. The 32-year-old declined a one-year, $15.3 million qualifying offer from Kansas City earlier this month, so his free agency is tied to draft pick compensation.
Rosenthal also adds that the Marlins are considering signing Shields:Sources: #Marlins interested in Shields. Would cost team No. 12 pick in draft plus $$$. GM Dan Jennings drafted Shields for #Rays in 2000.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 19, 2014Follow @drewsilv