Red Sox alternate history: 2014-15

May 22, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester (34) throws during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Jon Lester is not low balled.

What were they thinking? The original offer to Lester was not even remotely close to what cash was being tossed at pitchers who had his pedigree.

Lester simply tossed his 200+ innings, got his wins, went deep into games and became a pitching monster in the playoffs. Sure – he can’t hit and his pick-off move is laughable, but his Boston line was 110-63 and a 3.64 ERA.

Would Lester have taken an offer that was finally given? Conjecture, for sure, but Lester had professed his love of the team and Boston so 135M on the table back in the spring of 2014 may have done it.

Lester’s moving on has forced the Red Sox hand. Would the Wade Miley trade and eventually signing have taken place? Rick Porcello trade may not have been culminated since Lester never would have ended up in Oakland.