James Shields finally has a home, for the next four years.
News broke in the early morning hours Monday by way of SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo, that Shields signed a four-year, $72-$76M dollar contract with the San Diego Padres, the rumored front runners for him the past several weeks.
The deal also includes a club option for a fifth year according to Cotillo.
Sources: #Padres in agreement with James Shields on four-year deal. Includes club option for fifth season.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 9, 2015
The move by the Padres is one of many they’ve made this offseason to not only give the team a boost in terms of a playoff run but re-energize the fan base. So far this offseason and in addition to Shields San Diego has managed to land Justin Upton, Matt Kemp, Wil Myers, Will Middlebrooks, Derek Norris, Brandon Morrow, Brandon Maurer, and Shawn Kelley.
The 33-year old Shields will headline the Padres rotation with Andrew Cashner after coming off a solid season with the Royals posting a 3.21 ERA and a 180/44 K/BB ratio in 227 innings helping KC make it to the World Series for the first time since 1985.
h/t: NBC Sports, SB Nation