The activity and speculation this offseason has been interminable. James Shields is still available and potentially has a new suitor while the Colorado Rockies are shopping one of their outfielders.
According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Toronto Blue Jays have a renewed interest in Shields and are "trying to determine a price at which they would be comfortable signing him." Last week it was reported the Arizona Diamondbacks were "in the mix" for the right-hander, which indicated his price tag wasn't at the suspected $100 million many believed it would be.
Rosenthal also notes some executives think the 33-year-old will land a four-year deal in the $70-$80 million range as opposed to the five-year, $110 million offer he reportedly had on the table earlier in the offseason. This has made Shields appealing to a number of teams because he's now affordable for mid-market clubs. However, he's still in high demand despite his age and price, and even the Detroit Tigers have had contract discussions with his agent.
The Blue Jays are certainly a realistic destination for him, but sources told Rosenthal that the team has about $6-$7 million to spend this offseason unless ownership agrees to a payroll increase. This means they would have to backload Shields' contract if they were to sign him, just like they did with catcher Russell Martin earlier this offseason, who will earn $7 million in 2015 and then $15 million in 2016 and $20 million from 2017-2019.
Out west, the Colorado Rockies are reportedly shopping outfielder Charlie Blackmon, according to Rosenthal and Jon Morosi. The 28-year-old was an All-Star in his first season as a full-time starter in the big leagues after slashing .288/.335/.440 with 19 home runs, 72 RBIs and 28 stolen bases in 154 games. He had played in only 151 games the three seasons prior.
Sources say the Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles are looking for an outfielder and the Rockies have spoken to the Mets about starter Dillon Gee. But it's unknown if New York needs another outfielder since they have Curtis Granderson, Juan Lagares and Michael Cuddyer as the Opening Day starters. It's said Colorado wants to trade Blackmon because his value is at an all-time high and he's under club control for another four seasons, which could give them a nice return.
Although nothing is clear, the Chicago Cubs could be the top suitor since they're looking for an outfielder that can play center, according to ESPN's Buster Olney, and they have much talent in the farm system to make a deal happen. The Rockies can deal with the departure of Blackmon because they have Drew Stubbs, who was efficient in 132 games last season.
Keep an eye out for a deal involving Blackmon before spring training.
