James Shields: Report that he's seeking Greinke-type deal 'inaccurate'
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Royals right-hander James Shields said a Peter Gammons report recently that suggested he would be seeking a "Zack Greinke-type" deal after the 2014 season is inaccurate.
"That's absolutely not true at all," Shields said Friday during the Royals FanFest at Bartle Hall. "I have no idea where he got that from, to be honest with you. I've had no discussions with (Royals general manager) Dayton (Moore) about that."
Greinke's deal, signed in 2012, was six years for $147 million.
Shields is the final year of his contract and will make approximately $13.5 million.
"As a player, you just want what is a fair deal," Shields said. "But I'm not really thinking about that right now. I'm going to be here until I'm a free agent. I won't be thinking about that until after the season is over."
Shields did add, though, that he would be willing to talk to the Royals about an extension.
"I would definitely be open-minded to it, for sure," he said. "A player in my position, with free agency coming up, I'd definitely be open to it. I like Kansas City and I like the organization and the direction we are going."
Shields said he would rather resolve his contract situation before or after the season, and not discuss it during the season.
"I'm not really that type of guy (to talk contract during the season), either," he said. "But if Dayton wants to talk about it, to sit down and talk about it, sure. But during the season, I'm just trying to win games and get some wins for this team."
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