James Shields and Cole Hamels might soon have something in common.
While it’s unclear where Shields will sign in free agency this offseason, a major league source privy to his contractual demands recently told The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo that the final numbers on the right-hander’s next contract could be close to the five years and $110 million remaining on Cole Hamels’ current deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Cafardo suggests the Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants are “in the picture” for Shields. The New York Yankees reportedly might be another suitor. Signing Shields obviously would be a sizable financial commitment, however, and some teams, including the Red Sox, have been hesitant recently to exceed the $189 million luxury tax threshold. (For what it’s worth, Red Sox principal owner John Henry said earlier this offseason he’d be open to going past the $189 million mark, though that also was during the club’s pursuit of Jon Lester.)
Shields, who turned 33 on Saturday, went 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA in 34 starts with the Kansas City Royals in 2014. He’s been one of the most consistent and most durable pitchers in baseball throughout his nine-year career, totaling at least 31 starts and 200 innings each of the last eight seasons.
Hamels technically is guaranteed $90 million over the next four seasons ($22.5 million annually), but the Phillies also have a $20 million club option (with a $6 million buyout) for 2019. The belief is that Hamels might ask that his new team pick up his 2019 option in exchange for him waiving his no-trade clause if the Phillies trade him to one of 20 teams on his no-trade list.
Thumbnail photo via Denny Medley/USA TODAY SPORTS Images
