The New York Yankees don’t need to look far for a ringing endorsement of Jon Lester.
CC Sabathia was asked during an ESPN Radio interview Wednesday who he’d want on the mound in a must-win playoff game. The Yankees pitcher pointed to a longtime American League rival.
“I think it would have to be, I guess, Jon Lester,” Sabathia said. “I like Lester.”
Sabathia and Lester long have been two of Major League Baseball’s best left-handers, though Sabathia has tailed off the last two seasons while Lester only has improved. Sabathia’s answer is somewhat surprising, even if not groundbreaking, and it’s notable because Lester, who spent his first eight-plus seasons with the Boston Red Sox, is set to become a free agent this offseason.
It’s unclear if the Yankees will pursue Lester. If there’s one thing we all know about the Bronx Bombers, however, it’s that anything is possible when it comes to constructing a roster. Perhaps New York, which could use pitching help, will open up the checkbook again this winter.
Lester, after all, is coming off arguably his best season in the majors. The 30-year-old southpaw, whom the Boston Red Sox dealt to the Oakland A’s at the MLB non-waiver trade deadline, went 16-11 with a 2.46 ERA in 32 starts with the teams.
“It ain’t my money to spend,” Sabathia said of the Yankees potentially going after Lester. “I’ll leave that up to the front office.”
Photos via The Associated Press
