Report: Miami Marlins Can’t Afford James Shields

Joe Frisaro is reporting that the Miami Marlins, in search of both a top of the rotation starter to pair with Jose Fernandez, and a power bat to place in front of or behind Giancarlo Stanton, most likely will not be making a run at free agent pitcher James Shields. Per Frisaro:

“Miami’s payroll projects around $65 million, and Shields may end up signing for close to $100 million.”

Doesn’t get much more clear than that, does it, Fish Fans? He goes on to say that the Marlins will attempt to fill both needs during this week’s Winter Meetings out in San Diego, and use the trade market as the avenue to fulfill their shopping list. Two targets the Marlins could be looking at to upgrade the starting rotation is the Angels’ C.J. Wilson and the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Wade Miley. Neither one will come cheap, so the Marlins better be prepared to package some prospects, and Nathan Eovaldi in any deal involving an upgrade.

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Per Frisaro, a stretch, would be a return to the Sunshine State for lefty David Price, who was dealt from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Detroit Tigers this past summer. He is entering his free agent walk year, and a Fernandez/Price 1-2 punch could be lethal if it were to occur. Other names to keep an eye on include Jonathan Niese of the Mets and Cole Hamels of the Phillies.

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