James Shields doesn't opt out, will remain with White Sox
CHICAGO -- James Shields is keeping his contract with the Chicago White Sox and will not become a free agent after tying for the big league lead in losses last season.
The 32-year-old right-hander was acquired from San Diego on June 4 for pitcher Erik Johnson and shortstop prospect Fernando Tatis Jr.
An All-Star in 2011, Shields was 13-7 in his first season with the Padres in 2015, then went 2-7 this year before the trade. He finished 6-19 with a 5.85 ERA, tying Tampa Bay's Chris Archer for the most defeats.
Shields agreed in February 2015 to a four-year, $75 million deal with the Padres that called for a $10 million salary in the first season and $21 million in each of the next three years. The agreement includes a $16 million club option for 2019, with a $2 million buyout.
As part of the trade, San Diego sent Chicago $8,770,492 this year. Because he kept the contract, the Padres must send the White Sox an additional $11 million in each of the next two years, raising the total to $30,770,492.
Game notes
The White Sox claimed left-handed reliever Giovanni Soto off waivers from the Oakland Athletics. The 25-year-old Soto spent the 2016 season with Class AAA Iowa in the Chicago Cubs' organization, going 1-3 with a 5.14 ERA (28 ER/49.0 IP) and 55 strikeouts over 33 appearances.
