Jon Lester trade rumors: Orioles, Red Sox nearing deal
By Bryan Rose
The Boston Red Sox have already stated that while they don’t want to trade John Lackey in the division, they don’t mind doing so with Jon Lester.
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A free agent to be at season end, the Red Sox have no reason to be concerned about trading him to another American League East foe and it seems such could be nearing. According to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish, the Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles could be in the midst of completing a deal.
While the Baltimore Orioles were said to be in the market for starting pitching (names like AJ Burnett were rumored), few expected them to be linked to such a big name like Jon Lester. Of course, no deal has been agreed upon at this current moment and things have fallen apart at the last minute before, though it would certainly be a coupe if the Baltimore Orioles were able to snag one of the most prized trade targets of the deadline.
Currently atop the American League East standings with a 59-46 record, an addition of Jon Lester would reinforce an already solid starting pitching rotation.
If such a deal was to go down, it’s not known if Lester would be open to re-signing with the Baltimore Orioles at season end or if he wants to explore free agency.
There is also no word (at least currently) as to what type of prospects the Boston Red Sox would be getting back in the rumored deal.
The Orioles currently hold a 2.5 game lead over the second place Toronto Blue Jays.