The ball is now in James Shields's court.

The San Diego Padres have made the right-hander a contract offer that he is considering, reports FOX Sports' Jon Morosi.

San Diego's most recent offer is believed to be four years and between $72 million and $80 million, according to Morosi, who says Shields has been pondering the offer for the last 12 hours. The contract tabled by the Friars on Saturday is their best and final offer, according to Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Shields resides only 150 miles from San Diego, which appears to be the front-runner to sign him.

Shields was initially seeking a five-year deal for around $110 million, but his value appears to be diminishing significantly the longer he lingers on the open market.

The Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins are also reportedly interested in the 33-year-old's services.

Shields has averaged 223 innings pitched over the past eight seasons and posted a 14-8 record with a 3.21 ERA in 34 starts for the Kansas City Royals.