Royals land top pitcher James Shields from Tampa, while giving up Wil Myers and other prospects

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Royals on Sunday night announced they made a major trade to land a front line starting pitcher.

The Royals landed Tampa Bay Rays right-handed starting pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis and a player to be named or cash considerations. In return, Kansas City sent minor league outfielder Wil Myers, right-handed pitcher Jake Odorizzi, left-handed pitcher Mike Montgomery and third baseman Patrick Leonard to Tampa.

Royals fans have been waiting for their team to land a top starting pitcher. The 30-year-old Shields was slotted No. 2 in the Rays starting rotation this season. He finished third in voting for the Cy Young award in 2011. Shields turns 31 on Dec. 20.

Davis pitched only in the Rays bullpen this past season. He’s 27 years old.

Upon hearing the news, Royals pitcher Danny Duffy sent the following tweet: Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat! Lets ride!

Myers was the 2012 Minor League Player of the Year. The outfielder, who will turn 22 years old on Monday, hit 37 home runs in the minors this past season. According to Rany Jazayerli, a contributor to Sports Radio 810 WHB, 12 of the last 14 hitters to win Minor League Player of the Year award turned into stars.

Tune into 41 Action News on Monday for reaction from Royals General Manager Dayton Moore on this trade.