James Shields Dealt to Chicago White Sox for Prospects
Less than two years after the San Diego Padres went all-in during the off-season on top prospects James Shields and Matt Kemp, they are already sellers two months before the trade deadline.
The Padres have struck a deal with the Chicago White Sox to send Shields in exchange for minor league prospects Fernando Tatis Jr. and Erik Johnson, as well as cash options. Shields is still owed $21 million for each of the next two seasons, but has an opt-out after this year.
Shields is off to a slow start this season with a 2-7 record and a 4.28 ERA, but has experience pitching in the American League Central Division when he helped the Kansas City Royals reach the World Series in 2014. The White Sox will hope that he can return to his 2014 form when he went 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA.
Shields will help bolster an already impressive White Sox staff lead by Chris Sale and Jose Quintana, where they will try and retake the division lead from the Royals.
After already parting ways with Justin Upton during the off-season, the Padres look to be back in rebuilding mode. Obtaining shortstop Tatis Jr. (son of former major leaguer Fernando Tatis, known for hitting two grand slams in the same inning off the same pitcher) and pitcher Johnson will help their minor league system, but their impact in the big league remains to be seen.
The move appears to be beneficial for both teams; the White Sox are trying to make a run in a tight division, while the Padres are looking toward the future as they sit at 22-34 in the National League West, 12.5 games back of the division leading San Francisco Giants.
Shields, coming off his worst career start giving up ten runs in 2 2/3 on Tuesday against the Mariners, was scheduled to start on Sunday for the Padres. He will likely see his first action in a White Sox uniform next week when they face the Washington Nationals.
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