The Red Sox didn’t get a chance to enjoy October baseball this season, and the Boston faithful need something to get excited about before the 2015 season rolls around.
But while they watch the American League Championship Series this weekend, they may get a glimpse of what’s to come in their own future.
The Red Sox are considered the early favorite to land starting pitcher James Shields, according to the Kansas City Star. Shields, 32, is starting Game 1 of the ALCS for the Kansas City Royals on Friday night, but is a free agent after this season and is not expected to accept a one-year, $15 million qualifying offer from the Royals this winter.
From the Kansas City Star:
Kansas City is expected to at least attempt to retain him, even after Shields rejects a one-year, $15 million qualifying offer, but the competition in the market should be fierce. Boston has emerged as the early favorite for his services, but plenty of other clubs should be in the mix.
Shields is 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA this season. In two postseason starts, he’s 1-0 with a 4.96 ERA in 11 innings.
According to the report, MLB executives anticipate Shields to command a five-year deal worth something in the range of $80 to $110 million. That kind of money likely precludes Kansas City from being in the mix, as the largest contract in team history was a $55 million deal given to Gil Meche.
The report suggests both the Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers could be in the mix for Shields, too, as the pitcher hails from Southern California and still makes a home outside of San Diego. Of course, the Yankees will probably make an offer as well given his success in the American League over the past decade.
Shields spent his first seven seasons in the Major Leagues with the Tampa Bay Rays pitching against the Red Sox. The past two years he’s been in Kansas City sustaining similar success.
One stat that may certainly intrigue the Red Sox front office — how well Shields has fared against American League East competition. This year, Shields owns a 3.65 ERA against the likes of the Yankees, Blue Jays, Orioles, Rays and Sox. Over the past three years, the ERA has been even better at 2.74.
