After months of speculation, the Boston Red Sox finally traded star pitcher Jon Lester on Thursday morning, just hours before the MLB’s 2014 trade deadline.
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The Red Sox wanted to get a deal done with Lester, but the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement. The Red Sox dealt Lester, along with utility outfielder Jonny Gomes, to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.
If the Red Sox didn’t believe they could re-sign Lester, getting a player like Cespedes is good value – he is a power hitter who could thrive in Fenway Park. Plus, he is still just 28 years old and is under contract for the 2015 season (although the Red Sox would likely prefer he were locked up longer because he can and almost certainly will become a free agent in 2015).
However, the Red Sox believe they could have re-signed Lester. In fact, there are many who believe they will wind up inking Lester to a deal once he becomes a free agent following the season (The A’s almost certainly won’t be able to afford to re-sign Lester). Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz has hinted Lester could re-sign with the Red Sox, telling reporters “I have a feeling I will play with him again before my career ends.”
Ortiz isn’t the only one.
According to Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston, a few players are “convinced” Lester will re-sign with Boston.
Lester is currently 10-7 with a 2.52 ERA.