The Boston Red Sox’s focus seemingly remained on Jon Lester throughout Day 1 of the Major League Baseball winter meetings in San Diego.
This isn’t to say the Red Sox didn’t explore other potential moves. In fact, Boston is casting a wide net in its search for starting pitching. But Lester certainly dominated Monday’s headlines, as the left-hander is expected to make his free agency decision Tuesday, at which point other dominos will begin to fall.
The Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers are widely considered the four finalists for Lester. FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported Monday that Lester would choose between the Cubs and Giants, barring a late change, but the three-time All-Star’s agent quickly refuted the report.
The Red Sox officially made only one move Monday. Jemile Weeks cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Pawtucket. Things likely will pick up in the coming days, though, and Monday still spawned some interesting notes.
— Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said he hasn’t been informed that Boston is out of the running for Lester. As such, he believes the Sox remain in the mix.
Cherington said Monday he planned to meet with Lester’s agents at some point.
— Red Sox manager John Farrell said he’s still confident and optimistic the team can sign Lester.
— Lester isn’t Boston’s only starting pitching target. Far from it, actually.
“There’s probably — between free-agent possibilities and trade possibilities — 15, 20 starting pitching scenarios we’ve talked about and worked on, so obviously not all those are going to land, and more of those won’t land than will land,” Cherington told reporters in San Diego. “We just have to stay involved and keep working and work as hard as we can to get the ones to land that make the most sense.”
— The Red Sox reportedly made free-agent pitcher and old friend Justin Masterson a contract offer.
Masterson is coming off a disappointing season, so he could represent somewhat of a bargain on the open market if he’s willing to accept a one- or two-year contract in the hopes of re-establishing his value in 2015.
The Sox reportedly met with Masterson on Saturday at his home in Indianapolis.
— The Yoenis Cespedes-Rick Porcello rumor isn’t going anywhere.
ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported last week that the Red Sox and Detroit Tigers seem to have the makings for a Cespedes-Porcello swap. The Boston Herald’s Michael Silverman and ESPN.com’s Gordon Edes have since reported that the teams discussed a potential trade, though nothing ever came of the talks.
The Red Sox, as mentioned, are in the market for starting pitching. The Tigers, meanwhile, need a corner outfielder.
— Contrary to popular belief, Cespedes might have been willing to play right field after all.
An industry source told WEEI.com’s Alex Speier that Cespedes never actually objected to the idea of changing positions after joining the Red Sox in July. When asked if he was open to playing right field, Cespedes simply said he was more comfortable in left field because it was a position he previously played.
— The Red Sox would have to include shortstop Deven Marrero in any trade for Oakland Athletics pitcher Jeff Samardzija, according to The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo.
This tidbit might not mean much now, as Samardzija reportedly is on the verge of being traded to the Chicago White Sox.
WEEI.com’s Alex Speier also reported that the A’s and New York Mets have concerns over whether Marrero, a defensively gifted shortstop, will hit enough for an everyday role at the major league level.
— The Red Sox, in theory, could pursue Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels if they’re unable to sign Lester.
ESPN.com’s Gordon Edes was told Monday that the Phillies would not insist on the Red Sox including top prospect Blake Swihart in a trade for Hamels.
— Xander Bogaerts has spent roughly the last six weeks working out in Arizona. The 22-year-old shortstop plans to work out there for most of January, too.
— Dustin Pedroia is doing “great” in his recovery from thumb/wrist surgery, according to Farrell.
“He’s able to swing the bat a little bit off the tee. Physically, the strength and the range of motion continue to improve,” Farrell said. “And I think one of the more exciting things as we go into and begin to get closer to spring training is getting Pedroia back to 100 percent health and strength.”
— Mike Napoli is “progressing well” following his surgery to alleviate his sleep apnea, according to Farrell.
The first baseman is expected to be ready for spring training.
— Shane Victorino, who underwent back surgery in August, is in a good place physically and mentally, Farrell said.
There’s still no timetable for his return, but the Sox are hopeful he’ll be ready for spring training.
— The Red Sox could turn to Mookie Betts as their leadoff hitter in 2015.
“We’ve got all our in-house candidates and Mookie being the strongest at this point,” Farrell said. “But that’s not to anoint him the Opening Day leadoff guy. It’s to say we’ve got a good young player that profiles the position.”
The organization still views Betts as an outfielder, according to Farrell. Betts, who was drafted as a second baseman, played second base down the stretch in Pedroia’s absence.
Thumbnail photo via Gregory Bull/USA TODAY Sports Images
