Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields told Jeffrey Flanagan of Fox Sports Kansas City that he would be open to signing a contract with extension with the team.

The Royals hold a club option for the 2014 season on Shields worth $12 million that they are expected to exercise. Shields will be a free-agent after the 2014 season, and could command a large contract if he hits free agency.

More Royals: Wild Card primer

Shields was complimentary about Kansas City and the Royals organization, telling Flanagan:

"I think it's a great city. I've known a lot of players who have come to Kansas City and then wound up making Kansas City their home. And it's a good family environment around here and they really love their baseball. It's a good wholesome town. I like it here. It's a great organization, a great town. The fans are great.



It's just something (Royals general manager) Dayton (Moore) and I will have to talk about in the future. I'd be more than happy to stay here and make my family home here. "

The Royals traded for Shields during the offseason, sending Wil Myers and three other prospects to the Tampa Bay Rays in return for Shields and Wade Davis. Shields has pitched well for the Royals, going 10-8 with a 3.03 ERA.

Kansas City is on pace for their best year since 2003, entering Friday with a 73-67 record. The Royals sits 4 1/2 games behind the Rays for the second AL Wild Card spot.

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