James Shields Turned Down Bigger Offer From Giants Before Joining Padres
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - Apparently James Shields doesn't believe in the old saying "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." CBS Sports reports he turned down a larger contract from the Giants weeks before agreeing to sign with the San Diego Padres.
shields rebuffed (slightly) bigger #SFGiants offer weeks before landing in SD. http://t.co/nAPdycZ5II
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 20, 2015
John Heyman reports that that the Giants offered the Royals starter (whom they had just beaten twice in the World Series)$80 million over four years to join the starting rotation. "Big Game James" initially rejected that offer and the Giants pulled it. About a month later, Shields signed with NL West rival San Diego for $75 million over four years.
Shields' agent won't confirm the news, but did say that the pitcher did get higher yearly salary offers from other teams, according to Heyman's report.