White Sox Rumors: Sox reported in talks to acquire James Shields

It's an unusual thing for me to be writing about White Sox trade rumors this time of the year, but I guess I could get use to this. Today, the rumor mill has brought up a familiar name: James Shields.

Shields was signed by the Padres in February 2015 by the Padres as their last big move before last season. Shields ended up having one of his worst seasons, giving up 1.47 HR/9 leading to a 3.91 ERA and 4.45 FIP. At 34, Shields seems to be doing better this season (3.06 ERA / 3.88 FIP), but the Padres are getting restless with his 2-6 record and his $21 million salary. Shields is currently owed $21 million of the next two seasons as well with an opt-out after this season and a $16 million option in 2019 with a $2 million buyout.

The rumored price is something that most Sox fans aren't going to be happy about.

Tim Anderson had a rough first month in AAA, but has settled nicely into Charlotte since that first month. For May, Anderson has hit .373/.415/.509 with three home runs. Anderson, who turns 23 in less than a month, seems to be the only help the Sox could possibly count on from the minors for this season as an upgrade in season.

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The White Sox shortstop situation isn't great currently. Before the season, it seemed that the White Sox' plan was to give Anderson the time he needed to get his feet under him at AAA and call him up mid-season if the team needed a boost. With Jimmy Rollins hitting .231/.288/.343 and Tyler Saladino hitting .250/.254/.317, it seemed like that kind of move was becoming more of a reality. Of course, if the White Sox trade Anderson away, it seems that picking up another player to stabilize the shortstop would be the next item on Rick Hahn's shopping list.

Update: it seems that Erik Johnson is also part of the rumors as well as Fernando Tatis Jr. Johnson had been scratched from his start, but is now listed again as the starter.