Jon Lester’s free agency decision could come before next week’s Major League Baseball winter meetings.
One baseball executive told CSNNE.com’s Sean McAdam on Wednesday that it’s “likely” Lester will choose which team to sign with by the end of this week. WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford, citing a source, reported Wednesday that the free-agent left-hander still is “going through the process.”
McAdam suggests Lester will choose between the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants, barring a late entry into the field. Lester already has met with all three teams in recent weeks, according to multiple reports.
CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman reported earlier this week that the Cubs offered Lester a six-year contract worth $138 million. That falls ahead of the Red Sox’s reported six-year, $130 million proposal, according to McAdam. The Giants’ offer is unclear at this time.
Lester, who turns 31 in January, is coming off a season in which he went 16-11 with a 2.46 ERA in 32 starts. The veteran southpaw spent his first eight-plus seasons with the Red Sox before being dealt to the Oakland Athletics at this year’s Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
