Reports: James Shields Market Strong; Boston Red Sox Unlikely Suitors?

The Boston Red Sox have been tied to free-agent pitcher James Shields several times, yet it appears the connection is cooling.

A number of executives told FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal they expect Shields to land a contract of at least five years and $100 million, with two executives indicating the right-hander has received a five-year, $110 million offer. The Red Sox have maintained contact with Shields’ representatives but are “highly unlikely” to sign the 33-year-old, according to Rosenthal.

ESPN’s Jim Bowden reported over the weekend that the Red Sox haven’t had substantive talks with Shields or his agent despite meeting with the hurler at last month’s Major League Baseball winter meetings.

The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo wrote Sunday that, according to a major league source, the Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants have had discussions with or have shown interest in Shields. Cafardo notes the Giants have veered off a bit on Shields but remain open-minded.

Shields has been one of baseball’s most consistent and durable pitchers in recent years. The nine-year veteran has made at least 31 starts and has tossed at least 200 innings each of the last eight seasons. Shields is coming off a 2014 campaign in which he went 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA in 34 starts with the Kansas City Royals.

The Red Sox already added starters Rick Porcello, Wade Miley and Justin Masterson earlier this offseason.

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