Report: James Shields seeking 5-year deal worth $110M; Giants, Red Sox in pursuit
Suitors for free-agent hurler James Shields had better have deep pockets.
The right-hander is seeking a five-year deal in excess of $110 million, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports.
Left-hander Jon Lester set the market this offseason after inking a six-year, $155-million contract with the Chicago Cubs. Shields, however, is three years older (33) and has thrown 314 more innings in his career than Lester, who boasts a superior postseason resume.
Cafardo notes that the Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants are in pursuit of Shields, but also cautions not to count out the New York Yankees.
The Red Sox have added starters Wade Miley, Rick Porcello and Justin Masterson to bolster a depleted rotation this offseason, but still lack a true ace. The Giants have also shown they're willing to spend big on pitching by making their push to sign Lester public.
Shields has proven extremely durable throughout his nine-year career, making at least 31 starts in each of his past eight seasons. He posted a 14-8 record with a 3.21 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 34 appearances for the Kansas City Royals in 2014.