Mar 21, 2014; Clearwater, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) pitches during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Red Sox and Jon Lester have indeed come to a resolution regarding a potential extension for the left-hander (sort of): According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, the two sides mutually agreed to put talks on hold for the time being.
It’s probably in the best interest of both parties for Lester’s primary focus to be on getting this club off to a good start rather than what he’ll be making beyond 2014.
That being said, both parties are willing to restart discussions during the season. There is obviously mutual interest on both sides in continuing their affiliation beyond this season. Though Lester doesn’t necessarily fit what many consider to be a prototypical ace profile, he’s very durable and eats up innings.
If an extension is not reached, Lester is set to be one of the top pitchers on next year’s free agent market.
In the coming weeks and months, both sides have to answer some important questions:
For Jon Lester: Does he truly want to remain in Boston for the long run? Or is the potential to make more on the open market too appealing?
For the Red Sox: Is Lester still good enough to be the cornerstone of the rotation for the long-term? Or is his price only so high that anything more is not worth the gamble?
We shall see…