Padres, White Sox in 'advanced talks' on James Shields trade

UPDATE: The sides have completed a deal that sends Shields and cash considerations to Chicago for Erik Johnson and Fernando Tatis, Jr. Our full report is here.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

ORIGINAL: The Padres and White Sox are in advanced talks about a deal that would send right-hander James Shields to Chicago, according to Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Lin reports that a deal is likely to be finalized before Shields' start on Sunday night against the Rockies, with the White Sox emerging as the clear favorite.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today echoes this report, saying that San Diego is expected to trade Shields within the next 24 hours, and that the White Sox are heavy favorites to land him. Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reported earlier today that San Diego had received a "compelling offer" from an unknown team, with the White Sox and at least two other clubs were believed to be involved in talks.

Rumors involving Shields have been churning since spring training, though just last week it was reported that the White Sox had made "significant momentum" in their attempt to acquire the right-hander. Prospects Erik Johnson and Fernando Tatis, Jr. have been floated in reports as possible chips, though it is unlikely that Chicago parts with shortstop Tim Anderson in a deal.

The White Sox have been aggressive in early trade negotiations this summer, and are known to be looking for a rotation upgrade over current options Mat Latos and Miguel Gonzalez. If a deal with San Diego is completed, Chicago will slot Shields alongside Chris Sale, Jose Quintana and Carlos Rodon.

Other teams, including the Red Sox, have been connected to Shields so far this year, though a recent report from Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports noted that Boston was waiting to see how lefty Eduardo Rodriguez did in his return from the disabled list before making an external move.

Heyman also reported that the Padres have at least preliminary talks with the Orioles and Tigers on Shields, and that both clubs seemed like unlikely fits at the time. The O's talked to San Diego during spring training but were told the team was willing to take on less than half of the righty's salary in any deal, and Detroit was unwilling to meet San Diego's high asking price of either Michael Fulmer, Matthew Boyd or Daniel Norris.