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Report: White Sox in talks to acquire Shields

Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

The Chicago White Sox are reportedly in discussions to acquire veteran right-hander James Shields from the Padres, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune's Dennis Lin, who reports the discussions have gained "significant momentum."

It's unclear how advanced talks are between the two sides, though a source described the negotiations as having "energy," according to Lin.

Earlier this month, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn told reporters his club was "prepared to make a big move" if the opportunity presented itself. Acquiring Shields, who's owed $21 million this year and each of the next two seasons, could perhaps be a catalyst for the slumping White Sox. Chicago has lost five in a row and 13 of its last 17 to fall out of first place in the Central.

Shields, 34, has performed to inconsistent results since signing the richest contract in Padres history two winters ago - a four-year, $75-million deal. During his two seasons in San Diego, Shields owns a 3.71 ERA and 9.2 K/9 rate over 43 starts. He's 2-6 this season for the last-place Padres with 56 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings.

Despite a general decline in production, adding a pitcher of Shields' experience - the right-hander has logged at least 200 innings in nine straight seasons - would certainly help strengthen the rotation behind Cy Young candidate Chris Sale and talented left-hander Jose Quintana. Right-hander Mat Latos, who darted out to a 5-0 start, has struggled mightily in May, allowing 17 runs over his last 21 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, heralded 23-year-old Carlos Rodon hasn't yet developed into the top of the rotation arm he's expected to, having pitched to a 4.47 ERA over nine starts.

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