MLB PLAYER NEWS

Shields, Padres finalize four-year contract

The Sports Xchange

February 11, 2015 at 7:41 pm.

James Shields (33) is officially a Padre. (John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports)

Right-hander James Shields secured the richest free agent contract in San Diego Padres history on Wednesday when he signed a four-year, $75 million contract.

Shields pitched last season for Kansas City when the Royals reached the World Series, but he refused their $15.3 million qualifying offer. The deal with the A’s includes an option for 2019.

The Padres also will be responsible for another $75 million on outfielder Matt Kemp’s contract. San Diego acquired Kemp during the offseason from the Los Angeles Dodgers, who will pay $32 million of the $107 million remaining on Kemp’s contract.

The largest contract in Padres history had been a three-year, $52 million extension for pitcher Jake Peavy after the 2007 season, but he was traded to the Chicago White Sox before the deal kicked in.

Signing Shields cost the Padres their first-round pick (13th overall) in the June draft. The Royals receive an additional selection after the first round.

The Padres’ busy offseason has included the acquisitions of Justin Upton, Derek Norris and Will Middlebrooks.

Shields will join a Padres rotation projected to include Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner and Ian Kennedy.

In nine seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Royals, Shields has a 114-90 record with a 3.72 ERA. Last year, he posted a 14-8 record with a 3.21 ERA for the Royals but lost twice in the World Series against San Francisco.

To clear space on the 40-man roster for Shields, the Padres designated right-hander Aaron Northcraft for assignment.