The Boston Red Sox are rumored to be shopping ace lefty Jon Lester, and those rumors seemed to gain traction with the announcement he's been scratched from his Wednesday start vs. the Toronto Blue Jays. Manager John Farrell said that nothing's been finalized regarding a trade though, and that pulling him was precautionary.
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"In light of all the uncertainty surrounding Jon Lester, it's probably in everyone's best interest that he does not make that start," Farrell said. "So Brandon will be recalled; there will be a corresponding move, roster wise, at some point tomorrow."
Brandon Workman has been called up to pitch in his stead, but the real question here is which team will be able to snag one of the best pitchers in 2014. According to reports, there are up to eight teams expressing interest in landing Lester, despite his status as a rental until his free agency this offseason.
According to a source here are the teams that are "in" on Jon Lester at this hour: Tor,Sea,Milw,StL,LAD,Balt & Miami #ESPN #SiriusXM
— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) July 29, 2014
One of the teams reportedly chasing Lester is the one he was supposed to try and beat Wednesday-the Blue Jays. It's unclear whether or not Boston would deal their best pitcher within the American League East, but Lester's willingness to return via free agency may open up doors.
"I mean, this is what I know, this is what I love. Like I've said many times, this is where I want to be. If they trade me, I completely understand," Lester said. "Like I said, no hard feelings. I know what they have to do for their organization. If that involves me, so be it. If it doesn't, I'll keep running out there every five days, pitching, and like I said, hopefully November we'll get something done.''
Lester's desire to remain in Boston though, and his willingness to re-sign with them even if he's traded, may lower the possible return from teams looking to add him.
The Red Sox must also contend with several other teams possibly throwing ace left-handers on the market. It is believed that David Price, Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee are all available for the proper package.
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