Free Agent Ace John Lester Visiting Giants But Drawing Interest Everywhere
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - Fresh off a third title in five years, the San Francisco Giants are trying their best to spend some of their winnings on bolstering next year's lineup, with little luck so far.
After losing third baseman Pablo Sandoval to the Red Sox and getting outbid by Arizona for highly-touted Cuban power hitter Yasmany Tomas, the team appears to have turned its attention to pitching. They've started with one of the market's biggest names, former Red Sox world champion Jon Lester.
The Giants are meeting with Jon Lester today.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 1, 2014
The three-time all-star was traded from Boston last season to bolster the Oakland A's run to the playoffs. The lefty served up a 2.35 ERA in Oakland, but gave up six runs in the single-game wild card playoff appearance against the Kansas City Royals.
Now he is one of three ace pitchers, along with James Shields and Max Scherzer, who teams are targeting ahead of the traditional winter meetings signing period. With money to spend following another championship run and the loss of Sandoval, the Giants are thought to be considering adding an ace to add depth alongside Madison Bumgarner. However, ESPN's Buster Olney suggests the Giants are not the frontrunner for Lester.
Only a guess, but at this moment -- and offers change -- I'd handicap the race for Lester this way: 1. Cubs 2. Red Sox 3. Others.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 1, 2014
MLB Trade Rumors report the Giants are "casting a wide net" and have also shown interest in Cuban Right Hander Yoan Lopez as well as possible 3rd base replacement Chase Headley.