The Dodgers appear to be the mystery team in the Jon Lester sweepstakes.
We have heard all along that the Red Sox, Cubs and Giants were the teams most interested in the southpaw pitcher. Additionally, a report on Wednesday said the Yankees were in on Jon with a big offer. But the real big player here could actually be the deep-pocketed Dodgers.
WEEI reported Wednesday that the Dodgers have the interest and resources to swoop in late and pull off a Lester signing.
The Dodgers have been a major player in free agency ever since the current ownership group took over in 2012. They have thrown around big money for Zack Greinke, extended Clayton Kershaw, and absorbed the contracts of Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford. They are hungry for the franchise’s first championship since 1988 and may want to enhance what is already one of the top staffs in the bigs. Another reason they could be motivated to sign Lester is Zack Greinke’s contract status. Greinke can opt out of his current deal after next season. Having Lester would not only give them a lethal pitching staff in the playoffs, but it would be insurance in case Greinke leaves after next year.
