Red Sox Make Offer to Lester, Putting a Potential Hamels Deal on Hold

Yesterday, we found out the Phillies were doing "background work" on Red Sox prospects. Boston is known to be a possible landing spot for Cole Hamels, but the Red Sox have reportedly made an offer to one of their former aces, which could affect the Phillies chances at a deal.

The Red Sox have made an offer to pitcher Jon Lester, according to a major league source, but do not expect a quick decision.

— Gordon Edes (@GordonEdes) November 19, 2014

In mid-March, the Red Sox offered Lester a four-year $70 million dollar deal, but the left-hander turned it down. Boston dealt Lester to Oakland for Yoenis Cespedes in July, but both parties expressed interest in a reunion after the season ended. 

Lester, 31, could command upwards of $130-$150 million after his best year in the bigs. He finished 2014 with a 16-11 record to go along with a 2.46 ERA and 1.10 WHIP.

If the Red Sox and Lester come to agreement on a deal, that is one less suitor for the Phillies and Cole Hamels. Lester met with the Cubs yesterday and will meet with the Braves tomorrow.

Brandon Apter, Publishing Editor for Philliedelphia.com