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James Shields has cleared revocable trade waivers, which means the San Diego Padres could trade the starting pitcher to any team.
The Padres didn’t trade away any of their star players at the non-waiver trade deadline but they’re looking to explore options for their top pitcher, who they signed to a four-year $75 million deal during this past offseason. Shields, 33, has three more years with a club option for another year, which means the team he would be traded to would have to honor the contract.
As expected, James Shields has cleared waivers. Lots of big-contract players clearing waivers.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) August 8, 2015
Shields has an 8-4 record and 3.75 ERA with 160 strikeouts in his first season in San Diego. The right-hander has had three straight quality starts while he’s starting to look like the pitcher that helped the Kansas City Royals reach the World Series last season.
Throughout his 10-year career, Shields has a 122-94 record with a 3.72 ERA, which means he’s pitching like he always has.
The Chicago Cubs almost acquired Shields during the offseason and could be a candidate to land him now that he can be traded. Chicago holds a 3 1/2 game lead for the second Wild Card spot in the National League and has won four straight games, and 10 out of its last 11.
The New York Yankees are another team rumored team to land Shields. Michael Pineda might not return until September and the Yankees could use another arm in the starting rotation.
