James Shields Rumors: Pitcher Expected to Sign this Week

James Shields could end all rumors and talks about his free agency sometime this week.

According to major-league sources, Shields has several offers on the table and is expected to choose one of them before the week is over. Although sources are unclear on which teams have offered Shields a contract, many believe that the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, the St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres are in the mix.

Reports this week suggested that the Yankees would not push any harder to get Shields. These reports stated that the Yankees would not up their offer, if they have already made one to Shields. However, the Yankees' bid for Shields is still very unclear. Foxsports.com's Jon Morosi reported that the Yankees had contacted Shields' agent, Page Odle. CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman and the New York Post's Joel Sherman each reported hearing that the Yankees are not interested in the free agent.

David Kaplan of Comcast Sports Net in Chicago recently reported that the Cubs are "kicking the tires" on acquiring Shields, 33. Kaplan stated that the right-hander would consider joining the Cubs if they make an offer. The Cubs landed the number one free agent pitcher of this offseason, Jon Lester.

Kaplan tweeted: "Cubs have been waiting to see where market goes+Shields has interest. There are several others involved but history w/Maddon is a factor."

On the Cardinals front, baseball insider Heyman lists the Cardinals as a favorite in signing Shields. The Cardinals lost out on Lester and Max Scherzer and are on the market to add an ace to their starting rotation.

The Marlins and the Padres are supposedly in the mix as well.

Shields is the last big-name free agent pitcher on the market. In November, he turned down a one-year deal worth $15.3 million offered by the Kansas City Royals.

In early January, rumors circulated that Shields was offered a five-year contract worth $110 million. At the time Shields denied those rumors.

No free-agent pitcher has ever signed a deal worth more than $50 million after Feb. 1.

In 2014, Shields went 14-8 posting an ERA of 3.21. In his career, Shields is 114-90 with a 3.72 ERA