Padres trade rumors: James Shields clears waivers

Padres' right-hander James Shields has cleared revocable trade waivers, according to a report from Buster Olney of ESPN.com. Shields is now eligible to be traded to any team before August 31.

Shields was rumored to be a trade candidate in advance of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, along with teammates Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner, Ian Kennedy, Justin Upton and Craig Kimbrel, but general manager A.J. Preller decided to stand pat due to a belief that the team would still contend this season. San Diego recently placed both Kemp and Shields on revocable trade waivers, as most teams do with most veterans this time of year, and may be open to making an August trade.

Shields, 33, has posted an 8-4 record and 3.75 ERA in his first season in San Diego, and will likely appeal to contenders looking to add a veteran piece for the stretch run. He is owed $65 million in guaranteed money as part of the backloaded deal he signed with San Diego last winter, which may cause some teams to lessen their interest on the trade market.

The Cubs, who were a finalist for Shields this winter and showed some interest in him at the non-waiver trade deadline, could make a push to add him to their rotation for the season's final months. The Yankees have been rumored as potential fit as well.

To see a complete list of players placed on revocable trade waivers, check out our tracker here.