The Red Sox have picked up Jon Lester‘s contract option for 2014.
The Red Sox officially announced the move Friday, although it comes as no surprise. It’s long been expected that the Red Sox would exercise their team option on Lester, who has been an integral part of Boston’s success since making his major league debut back in 2006.
The option carries a $13 million salary. Now, we’ll have to wait and see if the Red Sox sign Lester to a long-term extension, as the 29-year-old is currently slated to hit the open market after the 2014 season. Lester just finished a five-year, $30 million contract that contained the $13 million club option for 2014.
Lester went 15-8 with a 3.75 ERA in 33 starts this season before going 4-1 with a 1.56 ERA in five playoff starts. Lester, who is now a two-time World Series champion following the Red Sox’ recent victory in the Fall Classic, owns a 100-56 record with a 3.76 ERA in 221 career regular-season appearances (220 starts).
The Red Sox had until midnight Saturday to pick up Lester’s option.
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