The Chicago Cubs have reportedly outbid the Boston Red Sox for the services of one Jon Lester. According to multiple reports, Lester will join the Cubs on a whopping $155 million contract over six years.
Jon Lester, Cubs agree on six-year, $155M deal, sources tell Yahoo Sports. Red Sox are runners-up. Their final bid: six for $135M.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 10, 2014
With the San Francisco Giants dropping out of contention earlier on Tuesday, Lester’s decision seemed to be between his former Red Sox team and what appears to be a suddenly serious contender in the form of the Cubs.
And in the end, Lester chose the money ($20 million more over six years) to play at Wrigley Field.
Seen as the most coveted free agent on the market, Lester’s deal will also likely open up a can of moves over the course of the next couple days. Max Scherzer and James Shields should align themselves with a team in short order.
Lester will join a rotation that already added Jason Hammel on a two-year deal earlier this week.
The former World Series MVP put up a 2.52 ERA in 32 starts between the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics this past season.
Photo: ESPN.com