The Boston Red Sox want to keep Jon Lester for the long-term and the pitcher has said himself that he has no intentions of leaving the team, but contract negotiations are starting to spell out a different picture. The two sides have been trying to work out a new deal for Lester before his contract expires and things are not going as well as hoped. If the Red Sox completely back down from Lester's demands, is he the next available pitcher on the trade market?
Lester is optimistic about getting a deal done with the Boston Red Sox, but according to the Boston Globe, contract talks have completely ended. The two sides cannot come to terms with a dollar amount for the pitcher. Lester is seeking a deal in the range of $100 million and the Red Sox have interest in shelling out that kind of money for an aging player.
Buster Olney of ESPN is reporting that at this point, it does not look like a deal with Lester will get done. Olney writes that contract talks have been completely halted until the winter which could mean Lester is available for trades for the right price. Olney believes that if the Tampa Bay Rays decide to not trade David Price, there could be a run on Lester.
The Red Sox could be making preparations should Lester be on his way out. According to MLB writer Jayson Stark, the Red Sox are interested in Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels who is reportedly on the market despite the Phillies denying such. Stark reports that the Phillies sent a scout to the Red Sox minor league team to check out prospects that would likely be included in a deal for Hamels. The Phillies are preparing to sell the house this deadline as they struggle amongst the National League. Getting rid of Hamels and his contract would certainly help the team financially for future moves.
If the Red Sox are interested in acquiring another pitcher, the Chicago Cubs could be making Edwin Jackson available. CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman is reporting that the Chicago Cubs are making the pitcher available. Boston likely will not seek out a trade for a starting pitcher unless a team approaches them. Getting Lester a new contract will still be a priority, but if the Phillies show interest in a few minor league prospects, they could simply bite the bullet and make a deal.