Diamondbacks 'in mix' for James Shields

The Arizona Diamondbacks are among the clubs "in [the] mix" for prized free agent right-hander James Shields, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi. It is also noted that, as speculated, Shields was offered a $110 million deal by an unnamed club, but rejected on the grounds of not wanting to play for the particular club.

As Rosenthal notes, Arizona's interest is likely an indication that Shields' market (sans the aforementioned outlier club) has yet to reach the nine figure range, as it doesn't seem likely that the Diamondbacks would step up to spend that kind of money.

Like fellow top-tier free agent Max Scherzer, Shields has yet to accrue strong connections to any one team, though a number of clubs have been mentioned as possibilities. The Giants, Red Sox, Yankees, Angels, and Tigers all seem to have the money and the need for a player like Shields. Then there are smaller market clubs like the Diamondbacks, Padres, and Marlins that could also be possible landing spots.

While the Diamondbacks seem to be of questionable contender status in the NL West at the moment, Shields would add to fortify their rotation and give them a true ace. The club possesses considerable depth in the rotation, though that depth is strictly in back-end arms. The 2015 rotation is currently slated to consist of Jeremy Hellickson, Josh Collmenter, Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster, and Trevor Cahill, with Patrick Corbin, Robbie Ray, Vidal Nuno, Chase Anderson, Andrew Chafin, and Archie Bradley also possible options.

Shields has been a workhorse since his first full season in 2007, averaging 223 innings pitched per season, including a mean of 233 over the past four years. Over the past four years, he also owns a 3.17 ERA, 124 ERA+, 8.0 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, and 15.3 WAR.