Royals Rumors: Potential starting pitchers on market for 2017 deadline
JAMES SHIELDS (CHICAGO WHITE SOX)
2-2 record, 5.10 ERA, 1.488 WHIP (Free agent in 2019)
I’ll be honest with you all… I included James Shields on here only because he used to play for the Royals and those were some fun times for this organization. Shields helped the Royals become perennial winners, leading them to a winning season in 2013 and to a World Series appearance in 2014.
No one was surprised when Shields went on to sign a massive deal with the San Diego Padres. No one was also surprised when the Padres wanted out of that contract and sent Shields to the White Sox in the middle of the 2016 season.
Shields hasn’t been good in the last two years and it’s very clear that his better days are behind him. He’s way too expensive for the Royals to even entertain trading for, but again… He was a beloved member of this organization, even during his short time in Kansas City.
James Shields with White Sox:
— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) July 4, 2017
41 HR allowed in 150.2 IP
If the Royals did trade for James Shields, I’d be torn. I’d be excited because it’d bring back nostalgia that we all felt during those 2013 and 2014 seasons, but I think I’d be more disappointed because Shields has been bad this season. Like, really bad.
It’s a shame to see Shields struggle, but if the Royals want to make it to the playoffs, they can’t afford to trade for him.