The San Diego Padres made their biggest move in franchise history on Monday after signing free-agent pitcher James Shields to a deal, SB Nation first reported.

The Padres have yet to announce the deal as Shields still needs to undergo physical, but Chris Cotillo of SB Nation revealed that the 33-year-old pitcher signed a four-year deal worth $75 million. Shields also has a fifth-year option that is reportedly worth $16 million.

Once the deal is announced, the signing will officially be the biggest in franchise history as it will be the largest contract offered by the Bills to a free agent, eclipsing the three-year, $52 million deal signed by Jake Peavy in 2007, ESPN reported on Monday.

Shields spent the past two seasons with the Kansas City Royals. Last season, the nine-year veteran went 14-8 in 34 starts with a 3.21 ERA and 180 strikeouts. He struggled in the postseason, though, tallying a 1-2 record with a 6.12 ERA and just 20 strikeouts in five starts for the Royals.

Shields, who has pitched at least 200 innings since the 2007 MLB season, will be the latest addition to the Padres, who have been making major roster shakeup this offseason.

The Padres, who finished third in the National League West standings last season with their 77-85 record, acquired Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Will Middlebrooks, Derek Norris and Wil Myers earlier in the offseason. The Padres also tried to sign Pablo Sandoval and Yasmany Tomas, but was outbid by the Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Myers, who was acquired by the Padres in a three-team deal involving the Washington Nationals and Tampa Bay Rays last month, expressed confidence that Shields' arrival will be big for their team in the upcoming season.

"The way this team has been put together has just been incredible, and I think to add a guy like James would be great," Myers said via U-T San Diego. "He's obviously an established pitcher in the big leagues. He's been on two good teams, and I think his leadership can bring a lot to this team."

Shields, who holds a career record of 114 wins and 90 defeats with a 3.72 ERA and 1,626 strikeouts, will be an upgrade to the San Diego's rotation composed of Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross and Ian Kennedy.

For the latest sports news, follow Latin Post Sports on Twitter.

FOR MORE MLB UPDATES, TRADE AND FREE AGENCY NEWS, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE.

Related