Rays rumors: Tampa Bay 'listening' on James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson

The Tampa Bay Rays are known to be in the market for offensive upgrades this offseason, and they are "listening to offers" on right-handers James Shields and Jeremy Hellickson, according to Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald:

The Rays need offense and are listening to offers on James Shields and Jeremy Hellickson.

While Tampa Bay was able to finish with 90 wins last season, narrowly missing the playoffs, their success was no thanks to their offense. Rays hitters combined to finish 18^th in the majors in runs scored, 16^th in on base percentage and 20^th in slugging percentage.

The team has several position players that have hit the free agent market, including B.J. Upton, Carlos Pena and Luke Scott. This trio accounted for 61 of the team’s 175 home runs last season.

Shields owns a career ERA of 3.89 and is set to earn $9 million in 2013. His contract includes a $12 million option for 2014. Hellickson, 3.06 career ERA, is less expensive and won’t hit the free agent market until after the 2016 season.