Most MLB analysts assume that the New York Yankees are still chasing a big arm to add to their rotation. The team struggled with injuries last year along with a slumping CC Sabathia that made pitching one of their biggest issues. Entering 2015, they will get back Masahiro Tanaka from elbow surgery along with Ivan Nova and Michael Pineda and might not be chasing a big name like everyone believes. One name they are for sure crossing off their list is James Shields.
The former Kansas City Royals pitcher is the last big name available in free agency. Shields has been holding out for a big contract that no one seems ready to give him. According to FOX Sports, Shields is expected to sign with a team by the end of the week, but no one knows exactly where. Several names have been tossed around, but the Yankees are not one of them.
According to Newsday.com, the Yankees are not interested in signing Shields or any other big name for that matter. According to managing partner Hal Steinbrenner, Shields' contract demands are simply too high. That is why the team took themselves out of the running for Jon Lester and Max Scherzer. They might have spent big money in the past, but there are no plans to repeat that trend.
"There's just a certain amount I'm going to go,'' Steinbrenner said, via Newsday.com. "You all know my opinions about payroll. Where you should be and where you really don't need to be to win championships.''
The Yankees have the second-highest pay roll in the league at $209 million and do not want to go much higher thanks to tax implications. Shields is looking for a long-term deal and at this point most teams ar likely to only give him a four-year contract worth somewhere in the ballpark of $80 million according to FOX Sports. The Kansas City Royals have made it clear they are not bringing Shields back so the race is on to get the pitcher to lower his demands.
The Yankees could be in play for a trade before spring training. Cole Hamels is available. Jordan Zimmermann is on the market. If the Yankees need an affordable arm, they have options. With Alex Rodriguez's contract till on the books, the team is limited as to who they can grab for 2015.
