James Shields’ best potential suitors

James Shields is among the top pitchers left on the market coming off one of his best seasons to date.

But the 33-year-old righty seems to be the big-time talent nobody wants. Somehow, Shields remains available and, despite a lot of teams being tied to him at one time or another, it’s tough to pinpoint where he may end up.

To make matters worse, the only team that still appeared to be in on him—the Arizona Diamondbacks—have said they’re out.

It’s hard to imagine what the issue might be, but one would assume it has to be related to money and length. Shields had been bunched in as something of an alternative to Max Scherzer and Jon Lester. He’s probably a notch below both of them, though, even coming off a year during which he went 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA and 180 strikeouts in 227 innings pitched.

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According to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, it’s been speculated by some executives in baseball that Shields may be seeking to make up for the low-ball contract he signed with the Tampa Bay Rays back in 2008 that earned him about $40.5 million over seven years.

As Rosenthals notes, money remains an issue for Arizona. They have quite a hefty $24 million wrapped up in second baseman Aaron Hill, as well as $9.5 million invested in outfielder Cody Ross and $16.5 million in newly acquired Cuban pitcher Yoan Lopez.

The San Francisco Giants had been a speculated suitor, however the re-signing of right-handed starter Ryan Vogelsong likely ends all potential for that to come to fruition.

Shields would prefer to stay on the West Coast, but as the offseason drags on with little interest being garnered, he might be forced to reconsider all options. Someone will sign him. It’s just a matter of who and when.

Here’s a look at four potential landing spots for the free-agent ace:

San Diego Padres

Perhaps the most obvious team for the San Diego native, the Pads have been wild spenders this offseason. There’s no reason to believe they’re finished yet, and the addition of an ace like Shields would legitimize them as NL West contenders.

Petco Park is very much a pitcher’s park and Shields would be every bit the perfect pitcher to pit at the top of the rotation in front of talented youngsters Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross. As this offseason has shown, money’s not an issue in San Diego, so inking Shields shouldn’t be too far out of their price range.

Milwaukee Brewers

Trading Yovani Gallardo to Texas freed up a “significant” amount of money, as CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa put it, and all that cash is something they could send flowing right into Shields’ pocket.

If the Brewers wish to be competitive in the NL Central, they will need all the talent they can get. Shield would a valuable asset in the rotation to combat the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates, as well as the up and coming Chicago Cubs. Money could be tight there, but some clever contract work could bring Shields to the Badger State.

Miami Marlins

The Marlins could sure use some pitching, especially someone with a veteran presence like Shields. He does have some ties to the organization, having been drafted by current GM Dan Jennings in 2000 when he was with Tampa Bay.

It’s uncertain what kind of potential a deal could have there, as one Marlins executive has apparently told Rosenthal there is “zero chance” Miami signs him. Rosenthal tweeted Friday that the deal still has some legs, however:

Toronto Blue Jays

Like the Brewers, it would take some magic to make the contract work for both sides, but the Blue Jays could really use some pitching if they’re going to survive in the AL East.

Toronto is not hesitant to admit they have been “discussing the pitcher internally,” according to Rosenthal. Still they’ve yet to commit to anything regarding him and have not been actively negotiating with the former Royals ace.

Shields would instantly improve a Jays staff in need of a real No. 1 at the top of the rotation alongside veterans Mark Buehrle and R.A. Dickey. That trio could prove deadly for their divisional foes and could help put Toronto in position to challenge for their first AL East title since 1993.