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The White Sox have acquired right-hander James Shields and cash considerations from the Padres for right-hander Erik Johnson and shortstop Fernando Tatis, Jr., according to a major-league source. The deal has since been officially announced by the teams.
San Diego is expected to pay $31 of the $58 million remaining on Shields' contract through the 2018 season, according to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal. Shields has an opt-out clause after this season that would allow him to become a free agent, though it is unclear if he would be willing to give up $44 million in guaranteed money to test free agency.
Shields has been rumored as a White Sox' target for about a week, and will join a rotation of Chris Sale, Jose Quintana and Carlos Rodon. Chicago has been looking for an upgrade over Mat Latos and Miguel Gonzalez at the back of its rotation after releasing John Danks last month.
Shields, 34, has posted a 2-7 record and 4.28 ERA in 11 starts so far this season. He is the owner of a career 129-104 record and 3.76 ERA in 11 major-league seasons with the Rays (2006-12), Royals (2013-14) and Padres (2015-16). Chicago will have him under control for at least the rest of the season, and he will have the ability to decide if he wants to stay with the club for the next two seasons due to the opt-out.
Johnson, 26, will likely slot into the Padres' rotation at some point this season. The righty has made 18 major-league starts over the last four seasons, compiling a 7-6 record and 4.50 ERA in that span. He has spent the majority of this season at Triple-A Charlotte, posting a 2.94 ERA in eight starts, and was formerly ranked as the second-best prospect in the White Sox' system (after the 2013 season).
Tatis, 17, signed as an international free agent with Chicago last offseason for $700K. He is the son of former major-leaguer Fernando Tatis.
Dave Williams of Barstool Sports first reported talks between the sides last week. Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports was first to report the trade agreement.