Padres reach deal with former Royals pitcher James Shields

Right-hander James Shields, who helped Kansas City reach the World Series last season, has agreed to a $75 million, four-year contract with the San Diego Padres.

The deal includes an option for 2019 and is subject to the successful completion of a physical, which likely will take place today.

Shields is the latest addition by first-year general manager A.J. Preller, who in December added sluggers Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and Wil Myers, as well as Derek Norris and Will Middlebrooks.

Shields was traded from Tampa Bay to Kansas City two years ago in a deal in which Myers, then the Royals’ top prospect, was acquired by the Rays.

Shields was 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA last season and declined a $15.3 million qualifying offer from the Royals. He lost both of his World Series starts, outdueled each time by San Francisco’ Madison Bumgarner.

By signing Shields, the Padres lose their first-round pick, 13th overall, in June’s amateur draft. The Royals get an extra pick after the first round.

Shields projects to lead a rotation that also includes Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner and Ian Kennedy. Several players will compete for the No. 5 spot during spring training.

An All-Star in 2011, Shields is 114-90 with a 3.72 ERA in nine seasons.

Tanaka continues recovery from elbow issue

New York Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild said offseason reports on Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka’s right elbow have been positive.

Tanaka is throwing and doing his normal conditioning program in Japan. He missed 2 1/2 months while rehabilitating a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow and returned for two late September starts.

Pirates go to arbitration with RHP Worley

The Pittsburgh Pirates went to arbitration with their second player this winter, asking a three-person panel to give pitcher Vance Worley a $2 million salary rather than his request for $2.45 million.

The 27-year-old right-hander was 8-4 with a 2.85 ERA last year in 17 starts and one relief appearance.

Owners have won three of four decisions so far.

Clearing the bases

The Rangers say slugger Prince Fielder is “full speed ahead” for spring training after neck surgery last summer. … Outfielder Jon Jay and the Cardinals have avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a two-year contract worth $10,975,000.