As discussed earlier, it's been disclosed that the San Diego Padres made an offer to Hiroki Kuroda before he signed with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Does this mean they might pursue another big free agent to address a need in the starting rotation?
The Padres have reportedly spoken to the Philadelphia Phillies about acquiring Cole Hamels, but that's going to cost them a number of their top prospects that they salvaged in other transactions this offseason. If they're willing to give up top young talent and pay the remaining $96 million left on Hamels' is contract, ESPN Insider A.J. Mass questions whether they'd be open to signing right-hander James Shields for a few million less per year.
The stars have seemingly aligned for the Padres to acquire Hamels: they have the pieces to trade for him; the left-hander is from San Diego and would prefer a trade to the West Coast or the Midwest; Hamels noted the top factor in his decision if a trade were to be discussed is that the team had a desire to win (which the Padres have portrayed this offseason); and San Diego is in need of an ace and does not have a left-hander in the starting rotation.
However, a trade is not guaranteed because the Phillies noted they wanted to keep him and Hamels has reiterated Philadelphia is the place he wants to be. So if this is an unrealistic wish for the Padres, could James Shields be an option? It's believed the right-hander will sign a deal in the five-year, $100 million range, which would be a less average annual salary than Hamels ($24 million per year). In addition to that, the Padres can keep their prospects, as well as Wil Myers, who was also believed to be in the trade talks, and get their ace at a cheaper price.
However, Shields, unlike Hamels, is not a great postseason performer and he just turned 33 years old while Hamels just turned 31. In 11 playoff starts, Shields is 3-6 with a 5.46 ERA and 1.53 WHIP when he was with the Tampa Bay Rays and Kansas City Royals. In 13 postseason starts, Hamels is 7-4 with a 3.09 ERA and 1.05 WHIP, including MVP honors of the 2008 NLCS and World Series.
The Padres have been going all in this offseason and it doesn't seem as if Shields will be the icing on the cake for them. If they're going to acquire an ace, it will likely be someone who is a bit younger and has a good track record in the postseason. Hamels is one of those guys and so is Max Schezer. Paul White of USA Today Sports suggests the Padres could make a run at the free agent and former Detroit Tiger.
Yes, Shields could very well be an option here, but judging by general manager A.J. Preller's moves this offseason, the Padres might be seeking a starter who will truly put them over the edge as both an ace in the regular season and postseason.
