One of the more coveted pitchers on Major League Baseball’s trade market is off the board.
The Chicago White Sox have acquired right-hander James Shields from the San Diego Padres in exchange for minor league prospects Erik Johnson and Fernando Tatis Jr. and cash considerations, the teams announced Saturday.
Shields pitched well for San Diego this season despite his 2-7 record but went out on a sour note, getting crushed for 10 runs over 2 2/3 innings Monday.
The 34-year-old veteran and one-time All-Star will be a welcome addition on Chicago’s already-strong pitching staff, which is led by Cy Young candidate Chris Sale and 27-year-old left-hander Jose Quintana. The White Sox entered Saturday with the American League’s best team ERA at 3.53.
The White Sox appear to be getting quite the deal, as they’ll pay just $27 million of the money left on Shields’ current deal, while the Padres will pay $29 million, per USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale. San Diego also will chip in an additional hefty sum, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
The Boston Red Sox have been tied to Shields in trade rumors in recent years and likely will be in the market for a pitcher ahead of MLB’s July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but it appears they’ll have to look elsewhere for mound help.
Thumbnail photo via Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY Sports Images
