Ervin Over James, The Twins May Have Done Better

Oct 26, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning during game five of the 2014 World Series at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

James Shields (33, $18.75 average annual value, 9 seasons)

After a successful beginning to his career in Tampa Bay, the Rays exchanged Shields with the Royals for outfield prospect, Wil Myers. He spent two seasons in Kansas City, and ended up leading the Royals to the World Series in 2014 for the first time since 1985. Like Santana, Shields is an innings eater pitching more than 200 innings every season in his career except one (following his call-up). He has posted strikeout marks as high as 225 in one season, but generally sits around 185 during any given year.

Having to wait through the market, Shields ceiling fell from the reported $120 million contract he was seeking, all the way down to the $75 million he finally agreed to. In joining a San Diego Padres team that was as active as anyone this offseason, Shields looks to be the ace of a staff that should be much improved over 2014.