Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports reports that the Royals will meet at 11 CT Wednesday to discuss plans, and James Shields will be "heavy on the mind." Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Start is on record as saying he believes the Royals are willing to trade Wil Myers for James Shields, but Passan says, at this time, a deal "still isn't close." If the Royals indeed decide they're willing to make such a trade, the Rays seems likely to jump on it, even though Dutton and CBS Sports' Jon Heyman think it might take more than Myers to get Shields.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Dodgers have talked to the Mets about R.A. Dickey and also the Rays about their starters. It was reported Monday that the Dodgers were one of the clubs that have kicked the tires on Dickey. It's not clear who they might be talking to the Rays about, but James Shields would make sense. Ultimately, the Dodgers seem likely to add rotation help via free agency, as they have plenty of money to spend and don't have a terribly deep farm system to deal from.

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that it's increasingly likely the Rays will trade one of their starters. The thought is that the high price tag on free agent pitchers will also increase the value of pitchers via trade. James Shields and Jeremy Hellickson have been mentioned most frequently in trade rumors, but the Rays are willing to talk about anyone, including 2012 AL Cy Young award winner David Price. It's a pretty good bet that whoever loses out on free agent right-hander Zack Greinke will be giving the Rays a call.

According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, the Nationals are interested in trading for Rays righty James Shields. Shields is also drawing heavy trade interest from the Rangers. The 30-year-old starter registered a stellar 3.52 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 223/58 K/BB ratio across 227 2/3 innings this past summer for Tampa Bay. He finished third in the American League Cy Young Award voting in 2011. The Rays will probably want multiple top prospects in return.

The Rangers are discussing a trade for Rays right-hander James Shields, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. The Rangers have also been connected to Zack Greinke and some of the other free agent starters, so the Shields talks could be a case of a team exploring all its options. Shields, 30, posted a 3.52 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 223/58 K/BB ratio in 227 2/3 innings this past season for Tampa Bay. The Rays will want a package of good prospects in return.

Jayson Stark of ESPN.com has been told by teams that have talked to the Rays that their asking price for James Shields is similar to what they received in the five-player package for Matt Garza. The thinking is that the Rays are open to dealing Shields, Jeremy Hellickson or even David Price, but their asking price is very high at the moment. "Oh, they're open to it," said an official of one team that checked in with the Rays. "They're open to being overwhelmed." Stark lists Hellickson as the most likely of the three to be dealt.

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that the Twins have asked the Rays about James Shields' availability. The Rays exercised Shields' option for 2013 and have another option on him for 2014, but they could be willing to deal him for some hitting help. Shields posted a 3.52 ERA over 30 starts this season and has been very durable, having surpassed 200 innings six years running. The Twins plan to add at least a couple starters this offseason, whether it be via the trade or free agent route.

Rays exercised RHP James Shields' $10.25 million option for 2013. It was a no-brainer, though the Rays could shop him in potential trades this offseason. Shields posted a 3.52 ERA in 30 starts this year and has surpassed 200 innings in six straight seasons. The Rays also picked up the option on closer Fernando Rodney.

According to Mark Saxon of ESPN Los Angeles, the Dodgers have identified Rays' right-hander James Shields as their No. 1 offseason target. The Rays intend to pick up Shields' $10.25 million option for 2013, but they could dangle him in a trade in order to create some payroll flexibility. Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti hopes to add a starting pitcher this offseason for some insurance with Chad Billingsley coming off an elbow injury and Ted Lilly recovering from shoulder surgery.

According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays will pick up James Shields' $10.25 million club option for 2013. The Rays have yet to make an official announcement, but they have already told Shields' agent. There was never much doubt about the decision anyway, as the option is a bargain. Shields posted a 3.52 ERA in 30 starts this season and could be a trade candidate this offseason.