MLB Rumors: Breaking Down Best Fits for Rays Star James Shields

The Tampa Bay Rays could be getting a boost on offense with Evan Longoria starting a rehab assignment in Triple-A. Therefore, since the team is just 2.5 games out of the wild card, the Rays might be reluctant to make a trade before the deadline. 

Even if the team does make a move, it would not necessarily be a step back. The Rays would likely dip into the team's deep pool of starting pitching to acquire an asset that could help very soon.

James Shield has been the most-talked about Rays player leading up to the trade deadline.  

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, three teams are in the Shields sweepstakes if/when the Rays decide to make a move. 

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The rival Rangers and Dodgers have joined the Angels in the hunt for Big Game James Shields, sources told CBSSports.com.

All three teams have made offers but the Rays are waiting for someone to do better for the former All-Star right-hander.

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Since we know who will be in on Shields, we want to look at who the best fit would be for him and the Rays in a potential trade. 

Los Angeles Angels

Going out west would be a big boost for Shields, who has been so inconsistent this season that getting out of the American League East would likely be the best thing for him. 

Heyman's report says the Angels tried to build a deal around Peter Bourjos, but the Rays (wisely) balked. Bourjos is a great defensive center fielder, but his approach at the plate is so bad that it will be hard for him to even duplicate his .271/.327/.438 performance from last year. 

The Angels don't have a lot that would intrigue the Rays, especially since the Rays need to find offense. Unless the Angels want to put shortstop Jean Segura in a package for Shields, which wouldn't make much sense, I can't see them being a good fit. 

Los Angeles Dodgers

We might as well just attach the Dodgers to any starting pitcher who might be available. However, like the Angels, it is hard to see a good fit for what the Rays will be looking for. The team's system is so pitcher-heavy and there really are no impact bats, especially at the upper levels. 

Unless the Rays want to trade Shields and add more pitching depth to the system, or the Dodgers can find a way to bring a third team into the mix, there is no clear match on players that will entice the Rays. 

Texas Rangers

No matter who the Rangers are going after, this is a team that is always going to be the best fit. The Rangers have one of the best and deepest farm systems in all of baseball. 

Heyman's report doesn't say what the Rangers offered the Rays in exchange for Shields, so it is hard to know why the two sides couldn't come to an agreement. 

Mike Olt is the prospect that the Rangers seem ready to deal for the right pitcher, but it would presumably have to be a true top-of-the-line starter like Zack Greinke or Josh Johnson.

Shields can be very, very good when he is on top of his game, which he clearly is not right now. That has likely diminished his trade value to some extent, so the Rays are right to play it coy with him leading up to the deadline. 

Still, if there is going to be a fit for Shields and the Rays, the Rangers are the best fit in terms of need and what the team have to offer in return. 

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