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Padres GM A.J. Preller is attempting to escape from the large contracts that he handcuffed the organization with in his freshman year. He's already wiggled out of the Craig Kimbrel contract, while receiving prospects in return, and now he's moved his focus to James Shields.
Preller signed Shields to the largest deal in club history with a 4 years and $75M. When Shields came on board he set it his goal to bring the first championship to San Diego. Things haven't gone as planned as the Padres have been in or near the cellar since that time.
It's been reported over the last week that the White Sox have interest in him. Now two unnamed clubs are also in the mix according to Ken Rosenthal.
Sources: #Padres’ trade talks involving Shields heating up. One team, possibly #WhiteSox, has made compelling offer. Two other clubs in mix.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 4, 2016
#Padres have been scouting #WhiteSox’s system. As of now, Shields still scheduled to start for SD tomorrow night against #Rockies.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 4, 2016
Money would be significant part of any Shields trade. Owed ~$14M for rest of ’16, $21M in ’17, $21M in ’18. Can opt out after this season.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 4, 2016
This talk comes on the heels of one of two terrible starts that Shields is expects each season. This resulted in open criticism from Padres Chairman Ron Fowler earlier in the week.
Video- James Shields on rough Padres week & Ron Fowler criticism. "I definitely don't think it's the right move" https://t.co/HQRFNzhSWh
— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) June 3, 2016