Jon Lester’s stance isn’t changing. The left-hander wants to be with the Boston Red Sox in 2015.
Lester, who said Friday that he’d be open to re-signing with Boston over the offseason even if the Red Sox traded him before Thursday’s Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline, reiterated the notion Sunday. Lester even took things a step further, telling WEEI.com.com’s Alex Speier that it’s unlikely he’d consider signing a contract extension with his new team if dealt, as returning to Boston remains his top priority.
“Probably not, just based on the fact that going in, you know nothing about it,” Lester told Speier of his willingness to consider an extension if traded. “I think sometimes you can get blinded by success. Especially you come from here, right now, we’re not playing so good. You get traded to a contender, we’re back on the winning trail, everybody is happy when you’re winning. It’s always roses. You can never see the bad when you’re winning. I wouldn’t say never, but it would have to be ideal — you would have to fall into a perfect, perfect scenario.
“But my ultimate goal would be to come back here (to Boston). That would be, like I said the other day. I know that’s hard to do. I know it doesn’t happen very often. But I understand it. I get it.”
It’s unclear whether the Red Sox will consider trading Lester despite his assurance that a deal wouldn’t prevent him from potentially returning this winter. ESPN.com’s Gordon Edes reports that Lester could become the major piece in a trade for Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, but Speier reports that an industry source suggested there’s been no meaningful dialogue between the teams regarding such a deal.
The Red Sox obviously could land a good haul if they choose to trade Lester. The return would only increase if Lester agreed to an extension with his new club. Regardless, it’s clear that both Lester and the Red Sox would like to continue their relationship beyond this season, even if there is a temporary break-up down the stretch.
“Money doesn’t buy you happiness. There’s some guys, that drives them. That’s great,” Lester said. “For me, I want to be happy. I want to be comfortable. I want to be in a place that wants me and appreciates what I do.”
