The Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly agreed to send "Big Game" James Shields and Wade Davis to the Kansas City Royals, as originally reported by Marc Topkin. It was quickly confirmed by both Jon Heyman, with Ken Rosenthal adding his report that it's Royals' top prospect Wil Myers (and others) are heading to Tampa. (UPDATE: the deal has since been announced by both teams.)
Rays trade James Shields, Wade Davis to Royals for Wil Myers
The Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to send pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for top prospect Wil Myers and others.
Matt Ryerson-US PRESSWIRE
Shields has seemingly been on the trade block for years now, as his consistent performance and steadily-increasing salary have made him less appealing to the Rays and more so to prospective trade partners. The 30-year-old has pitched at least 200 innings every season for the last six, and finished third in Cy Young voting in 2011. In 2012, he posted an ERA of of 3.52 with a 15-10 record. He’ll make $9 million in 2013 and has a team option for 2014 worth $12 million.
Davis pitched arguably his best season in 2012, his first in the Rays' bullpen. He posted an impressive 2.43 ERA and struck out over 11 batters per nine innings. He started 64 games for the Rays between 2009 and 2011, but was pressed in relief duty when better, younger pitchers like Matt Moore and Jeremy Hellickson came along.
Myers is one of the top young hitting prospects in baseball. He hit 37 home runs in the minors last season between double-A and triple-A.
See More:
