Jon Lester is expected to become one of the most coveted free agents this season as reports indicated that several teams are planning to acquire the veteran pitcher.
Rob Bradford of WEEI, citing major league sources, reported that at least six teams have expressed interested in signing Lester this offseason, which reportedly includes the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and the New York Yankees.
The Red Sox have made it no secret that they want to reunite with Lester after trading the 30-year-old to the Oakland Athletics before last season's MLB trade deadline.
Lester, who went 16-11 with a 2.46 ERA and 220 strikeouts in 32 starts last season, is also open to reuniting with the Red Sox - the team where he spent the first nine seasons of his career.
Lester is reportedly looking for a six-year contract worth at least $120 million this offseason. The Red Sox have previously observed strict policy on offering short-term deals to players above 30 years old. The left hander will turn 31 in January, but Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said that they are open to making an exception.
"We're interested in having a conversation with him," Cherington told ESPN Boston, referring to Lester. "We know guys like him, and there are others like him at the upper end of the free-agent market, are going to command good contracts. So, certainly our history with him and our comfort level with him, I suppose that's one of those boxes I was talking about that's checked. Beyond that, I can't say more."
Aside from the Red Sox, the Cubs are also planning to make a strong push to acquire Lester. According to MLB analyst Bruce Levine, Cubs executives are scheduled to meet with Lester next week to discuss a possible deal.
The Yankees are also expected to be in the mix. While they have yet to reveal their plans this offseason, it is no secret that they need to shore up their rotation if they want to avoid missing the playoffs for the third-straight season next year.
The Yankees have one of the best starting rotations before the 2014 MLB season, but their star pitchers Masahiro Tanaka and CC Sabathia missed the majority of the year due to injuries.
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