Jon Lester‘s name has been thrust into trade discussions.
A report surfaced Monday saying the Royals are interested in acquiring Lester from the Red Sox in exchange for top prospect Wil Myers.
WEEI.com is now reporting that the Red Sox haven’t had any discussions with Lester regarding a potential contract extension that would keep him in Boston.
Lester signed a five-year, $30 million deal in 2009. The lefty is set to earn $11.675 million next season, with the Red Sox holding a $13 million option for 2014.
Before last season ended, however, Lester told WEEI.com that he’d be willing to listen if the Red Sox approached him about an extension.
“I still got really a year before we kind of have to figure things out as far as an option or anything like that. Like I said, it’s probably not something high on their list right now,” Lester said. “I’m always open to listening. We can always talk. That doesn’t mean they’re going to be close, or we’re going to be close, or a deal is going to get done. I’m always open to seeing where we’re at. I’m fine with that. I would be fine with trying to work something out.
“If we had a better year and didn’t have so many needs, especially with me being under control for the next two years, that’s not something that’s a priority. We have other holes we have to fill first.”
Through seven seasons with the Red Sox, Lester has compiled a 3.76 ERA with a 85-48 record and two All-Star selections. But the 28-year-old, who turns 29 in January, is coming off a nightmare season where he went 9-14 and posted a career-worst 4.82 ERA.
