The Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs have something the San Francisco Giants simply can’t compete with in the Jon Lester sweepstakes: History.
Giants assistant general manager Bobby Evans told reporters Tuesday at the Major League Baseball winter meetings in San Diego that he thinks San Francisco has fallen behind both Boston and Chicago in its attempt to sign Lester. Evans cited Lester’s existing relationships as reasons for the pitcher favoring the Red Sox and Cubs over the Giants.
“I think that ultimately Jon has a tough decision to make,” Evans said. “You have a player who’s very passionate about his teammates in Boston, he’s very passionate about the relationships he has with maybe two clubs, including the Cubs, so therefore I think it makes it a harder decision.
“We at some level may be in the back seat right now. That’s understandable because there are some good options for him.”
Lester spent his first eight-plus seasons with the Red Sox before being traded to the Oakland Athletics at this year’s Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline. He was drafted by the Sox, he went through a grueling cancer battle in Boston and he long has expressed his admiration for the organization, even saying this season that he was willing to accept a hometown discount to stay put.
Lester also has a strong relationship with Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer from the trio’s days together in Boston. While Chicago might be unfamiliar territory geographically, the left-hander surely could find some comfort in signing with the Cubs.
The Giants, meanwhile, don’t bring much in terms of emotional attachment. They have won three World Series titles over the last five seasons and play in a beautiful, pitcher-friendly environment, but Evans can’t help but wonder whether that’ll be enough to lure Lester to the Bay Area given the other factors involved in his decision.
“I think there are some things that are attractive about our situation, but I think heartstrings can play a role there,” Evans told reporters. “I know that he’s a passionate guy and I think he’s got some strong and deep relationships with really two clubs at this point in Chicago and in Boston. We put our best foot forward and hope there’s an opportunity to draw him to us because we think he’s a game-changer.
“I feel we’re probably in the back seat of this deal right now. I feel like there are some other guys driving this, and probably we’re staying in it, but I’m not sure how strongly we’re a consideration considering the other options.”
Lester, who is expected to sign somewhere soon, said earlier this season that money wouldn’t make-or-break his free agency decision. Perhaps passion will be the overriding factor.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
