The Jon Lester Sweepstakes is nearing a conclusion, and the Boston Red Sox hope that they have done enough to convice the All Star pitcher to return home. But, as all teams try to do, they have been pursuing a backup plan in case Lester elects to sign with one of his other suitors.
Rangers More Interested In Pitching?
One of the names that has been lost in the shuffle behind Lester is that of Cole Hamels. The Phillies are making him available, and thanks to the signings of Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez, the Red Sox have a glut of hitting talent that they can move to make a deal.
It is widely believed that the Hanley signing meant a surefire exit for Yoenis Cespedes, but the Red Sox have more than enough depth to make multiple moves or one splash trade if they wish.
Hamels likely Plan B for #RedSox if they fail to sign Lester. Could they get both? Not out of question, sources say.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 8, 2014
Boston is by no means out of the running on Lester, and just last week none other than Big Papi implored the Red Sox front office to pull out all of the stops to bring Lester back. But since Lester is a free agent, the Red Sox would still have all of their assets available to puruse Hamels via trade.
Of course, any other team that misses out on Lester might also decide to start inquiring about Hamels, as he may be the best option out there after Lester for teams that need help at the front of their starting rotation. Lester's decision is expected very soon.
Lester talks nearing the finish line, sources say. Choice will be made no earlier than tonight, no later than tomorrow. — Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 8, 2014
The Red Sox just completed the first three-year stretch in history where a team finished last in its division, then first, then last again in successive years. The team was expected to compete for another World Series in 2014, but hopes quickly evaporated amidst injury problems and a subpar pitching staff.
The Red Sox became sellers at the deadline, trading away Lester, though they always intended to bring him back. Adding Lester would give a top option to a decent rotation, and adding both he and Hamels would give the Red Sox an above-average rotation that should pair well with a formidable lineup in 2015.
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