Kansas City Royals: 5 Bold Predictions for 2014

Kansas City Royals pitcher James Shields (33) Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

5. James Shields signs an extension to finish his career in Kansas City.

This may be the boldest prediction of them all. James Shields came to Kansas City at a hefty price. Some would say we had to trade away half of the organization’s future in order to acquire him. Last off-season we saw top prospects Wil Myers (2013 AL Rookie of the Year), Jake Odorizzi, and Mike Montgomery disappear to Tampa Bay.

This was all at the dispense of having a true ace in James Shields for a guaranteed two seasons that remained on his contract. I said from the very day of the trade that it would only be worth it if Shields performed on the field like he was supposed to and signed a longer deal with the Royals. He has performed like the ace that the Royals need, however, it was recently reported that Shields is looking for a “Zack Greinke-type deal”.

Greinke’s deal is for 6 years and $147 million. The Royals simply do not have that kind of money. Plus, Zack Greinke was four years younger than Shields is now when he signed that deal, making it less of a risk. Shields will have to lower his demands or else this prediction will not come true.