Chris Cotillo reports that the San Diego Padres have signed free agent pitcher James Shields to a four year deal worth roughly $72 million. The 33 year old has a career ERA of 3.72 and figures to be a big part of a revamped Padres team.
“The Padres have agreed to sign free agent right-hander James Shields to a four-year contract that includes a club option for a fifth season, according to major-league sources. The deal is currently pending a physical, and is likely to be announced early in the week.
Shields, 33, is the last major free agent starter to sign with a club in a winter that has already seen Jon Lester join the Cubs and Max Scherzer sign with the Nationals on multi-year deals. His deal is expected to be in the $72-76 million range, according to sources.”
Sunny and 75 degrees, in one of the most pitcher friendly ball parks in the league, I think he made a good decision.