Boston Red Sox: Five Possible Trade Deadline Candidates
By Paul Ashley
James Shields is currently the right-handed version of CC Sabathia. As most teams would love to have Sabathia as a part of their rotation, this makes Shields an underrated trade commodity.
Before you go straight to the next slide, I want to make a pitch for why James Shields make sense for the Red Sox.
Chris Sale, Rick Porcello, and David Price are locks for the playoff rotation. Although the 2009 New York Yankees only needed three starters throughout their World Series run, most teams go into the postseason with more starters planned out. As Eduardo Rodriguez, Steven Wright, and Drew Pomeranz are currently on the disabled list, the Red Sox may want to secure a backup plan.
James Shields could very well be a viable backup plan. Even though Shields is 4-10 with a 4.43 ERA this season and Sabathia is 6-4 with a 3.51 ERA, that does not tell the whole story of their comparison.
Shields currently holds a 4.49 FIP with a 1.270 WHIP while C.C. Sabathia holds a 4.53 FIP with a 1.270 WHIP. These two veterans may not have the same stuff they once did, but they can still be counted on for both innings and consistency.
Shields currently has a $21 million contract, but $11 million is being paid by the San Diego Padres. He also holds a $16 million team option for 2019 that comes with a $2 million buyout.
Combining the under the radar season for Shields with his postseason experience makes him a great rotation option. He’s known as “Big Game James” for a reason.