Nick Cafardo writes that the Red Sox' Jon Lester could be a trade target for the Pirates, who could get a lot of help from either a starting pitcher or an outfielder as they make a run at their first playoff berth since 1992.
Jon Lester, LHP, Red Sox — He has been on Pittsburgh’s radar along with Cole Hamels, Zack Greinke, Ryan Dempster, and Matt Garza. It doesn’t appear the Sox would deal unless they got exceptional value back, and it doesn’t appear the Pirates would part with pitching prospect Gerrit Cole, whom the Sox would want.
This item is buried in a long list of trade rumors, so it's hard to know what to make of it. In any case, though, Lester is one more name to add to the list. There's no doubt he'd be a nice addition, and he's under control at rather reasonable prices through 2014, so unlike Hamels and Greinke, he wouldn't be a rental. However, Gerrit Cole would be a steep price to pay for a Pirates team who sees him as a big part of their future.
Via MLB Trade Rumors.
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