SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo reports that James Shields will not exercise the opt-out clause in his contract.
Maybe the least shocking thing ever. Shields is owed $21 million each of the next two seasons with a $16 million club option for 2019 with a $2 million buyout. Even with the pitching free agent market being thinner than it ever has been, Shields would not do that well selling his wares to the highest bidder. Especially not after a 6-19 season with a 5.85 ERA.
Shields is the White Sox’ problem, likely for the next two years.
