Free agent starting pitcher James Shields still does not have a new home, and it is starting to become a legitimate wonder when he will finally sign with a team. Many teams have expressed interest in Shields, but none wanted to pay Shields' asking price, which was believed to be in the $100 million range.
Does Anybody Want James Shields?
It now appears that Shields will have to drop his asking price if he wants to find a new home, and that brings many teams back into the conversation. One team that has a definite interest in Shields is the Toronto Blue Jays.
According to Bleacher Report, the issue for Toronto will be their budget. The team reportedly only has $5-7 million left in their budget, and they have other needs to fill. Even if Shields lowers his asking price, he will almost certainly cost more than Toronto originally wanted to spend.
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However, the Blue Jays may decide to exceed their budget to sign Shields and try to make a run at the postseason in 2015. Every team in the AL East has questions about the roster, and any team could win the division this season.
The Orioles lost some key players from last year, the Yankees have an aging roster that struggled last year, Tampa Bay did not noticeably improve this offseason, and the Red Sox still may not have enough pitching to be a contender.
The Blue Jays already boast one of the best offenses in the majors, and signing Shields would give them a staff ace to headline a pitching staff that already has some productive pieces. The team has already made it known that they want to contend this year, so signing Shields may prove worth it for them to exceed their budget.
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