Report: Padres pushing Shields in trade talks

One year removed from loading up in hopes of a postseason push, the San Diego Padres' teardown following a failed season continues.

Having already shipped away Craig Kimbrel, Joaquin Benoit, and Yonder Alonso this offseason, the Padres are actively trying to push James Shields in the trade market, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.

Teams that have spoken with the Padres about Shields say they're not looking to eat money and hope to get a young shortstop, plus other assets, in return for the right-hander, reports ESPN's Jayson Stark.

Shields agreed to a four-year, $75-million deal last February as part of general manager A.J. Preller's aggressive attempt to turn around a sputtering franchise, but the team is clearing salary following an 88-loss season.

Shields, who turns 34 later this month, went 13-7 with a 3.91 ERA and 1.33 WHIP across 33 starts, striking out 216 over 202 1/3 innings. He's averaged a 3.67 ERA over 221 innings and 193 strikeouts the past nine seasons.

The Padres have a lot of money tied up in a trio of veterans next season, with Matt Kemp, Melvin Upton Jr., and Shields accounting for approximately $54 million.