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MLB Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox Surprisingly Back In Jon Lester Sweepstakes

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Jon Lester

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In a move that once seemed like a longshot at best, one of the best pitchers on the free agent market this offseason, Jon Lester, could be headed back to the Boston Red Sox. Previously, the team was ruled out as a potential suitor for the 30-year-old lefty because sources close to him said he would not be going back to Boston. However, something has changed in recent days, at least from the Red Sox perspective.

Citing a “well-placed source,” reports are saying Lester will be headed back to Boston next season. This comes after news the team is willing to offer him six years in order to return to the team he’s pitched all but two months of his career with. Most other teams on the free agent market are thought to only be willing to offer five years in a potential contract, but now that could change.

The Red Sox’s top challenger for Lester’s services is seen as the Chicago Cubs, who have the salary flexibility and a front office familiar with the star pitcher. However, they’ve stated over and over again that they’re not going to overspend on starting pitching if it doesn’t make sense for now and the future.

With pitchers like Max Scherzer and James Shields in the free agent market this offseason, and guys like David Price and Johnny Cueto available next offseason, the Cubs may move on to other options if the Red Sox move the price tag on Lester too high for their liking.

For a Cubs team once seen as the clear favorites to land the coveted left-hander, they now may have a bidding war on their hands. With both teams clearly pining for his services, Lester has a tough decision to make. However, with this recent development, one thing is certain: he’s going to get paid.

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