The San Diego Padres have been spending money this offseason. They signed free agent pitcher James Shields to a 4-year contract. He will be paid $75 million. This deal sets a record for the largest contract in Padres’ history surpassing a 3-year $52 million contract they gave to Jake Peavy in the 2007-2008 offseason.
This is an excellent move for the Padres for the regular season. Last year Shields went 14-8 with an 3.21 ERA. Those are not bad numbers. He was outstanding, striking batters out with 180 strikeouts last year. In the postseason, it was a whole different story with the Kansas City Royals. He started 5 games and went 1-2 with a 6.12 era and 20 strikeouts. Even though he struggled, the Royals still went to the World Series where they lost to the San Francisco Giants.
San Diego is paying big money for a pitcher who only seems to show up in the regular season. The Padres were third in the National League West last season. This move will improve the Padres chances of knocking off the Dodgers and the Giants for the National League West division.
That’s not the only signing the Padres have made. They were busy in December trading for right fielder Justin Upton, third baseman Will Middlebrooks, catcher Derek Norris, and outfielder Matt Kemp. They added plenty of power in the lineup with these moves. This should improve their runs scored. Last year they were last in runs scored in Major League Baseball, scoring 535. This helped them to a record of 77-85, third in the National League West behind San Francisco and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
These are quality transactions for the Padres to contend not only for a Wild Card spot but to win the NL West Crown. James Shields also helped their World Series odds. According to the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook, before this contract, they had a 25 in 1 chance to win the World Series. Those odds have decreased to 18 in 1 with the addition of James Shields.
On paper all these changes seem like they will improve the Padres. We won’t know how all these transactions will contribute to making a winning team until the start of the season. For years, San Diego wouldn’t spend the money for free agents. That has changed this season. They seem to be going for a World Series ring or bust.
How will these moves enhance the Padres performance this year?
With no salary cap how much are the Padres spending costed to other teams?
Go Cardinals!!!
Coming in April you will have my MLB preview. What and see where I have the cardinals and if they repeat as NL Central Champs.