While the Miami Marlins have shown an interest in signing free agent pitcher James Shields, the chance of the former Kansas City Royals ace landing in South Beach is very slim.
That’s the word from Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal who says Shield’s chances of signing with the Miami Marlins are “highly unlikely”.
Well, Shields to the Marlins is still highly unlikely.
The Marlins signaled early in the off-season that they were budgeting for about a $60 million payroll. Their payroll currently projects to about $70 million, and the signing of Shields likely would take it to the $85 million to $90 million range.
Shields would be a fantastic addition to the Marlins as he’d make up a formidable 1-2 punch with Jose Fernandez once he returns from injury (assuming he returns to his former self). But it doesn’t appear as if the money is there.
More than that, James Shields (who lives in San Diego) is said to have a preference to pitching on the West Coast, far away from the pearly sands of Miami. Given all the factors, it seems as if a marriage between the two isn’t something that is likely to happen though it would seemingly be a good fit for both parties if they could figure out a way to make the money/location work.
