Shields keeps deal with White Sox rather than go free

Posted November 07, 2016 6:00 am

The Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) - James Shields is keeping his contract with the Chicago White Sox rather than become a free agent after tying for the big league lead in losses.

The 32-year-old right-hander was acquired from San Diego on June 4 for pitcher Erik Johnson and shortstop prospect Fernando Tatis Jr.

An All-Star in 2011, Shields was 13-7 in his first season with the Padres in 2015, then went 2-7 this year before the trade. He finished 6-19 with a 5.85 ERA, tying Tampa Bay's Chris Archer for the most defeats.

Shields agreed in February 2015 to a $75 million, four-year deal with the Padres that called for a $10 million salary in the first season and $21 million in each of the next three years. The agreement includes a $16 million club option for 2019 with a $2 million buyout.

As part of the trade, San Diego sent Chicago $8,770,492 this year. Because he kept the contract, the Padres must send the White Sox an additional $11 million in each of the next two years, raising the total to $30,770,492.

NOTES: The White Sox claimed left-handed reliever Giovanni Soto off waivers from the Oakland Athletics. The 25-year-old Soto spent the 2016 season with Class AAA Iowa in the Chicago Cubs organization, going 1-3 with a 5.14 ERA (28 ER/49.0 IP) and 55 strikeouts over 33 appearances.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.