Cubs push for Lester; Red Sox, others still in it

SAN DIEGO — Word is, the Cubs are making a run at trying to win the Jon Lester derby but the competition is ongoing, with the Red Sox, Giants and Dodgers still believed in the hunt for the star left-hander.

The Cubs’ offer may be at or over $140 million for six years, though it is believed multiple teams are at more than $130 million. The Red Sox are thought be slightly below at least a couple of the others, but have the potential advantage of familiarity. Red Sox owner John Henry flew to Atlanta Friday to visit again with Lester, who is the linchpin to the pitching market at present.

It was reported here at the Cubs were at $138 million at one point, with the Red Sox believed willing to go to about $130 million — though free-agent bidding can sometimes cause surprises.

It seems likely Lester will pick a new team sometime during the Winter Meetings, which officially begin here Monday.

The Cubs, who lost out to the Blue Jays for Russell Martin after bidding $70 million for years, also are quite familiar with Lester, as Cubs leaders Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer were Red Sox execs during Lester’s rise to prominence.

The Giants are extremely interested in Lester, but it isn’t known how seriously Lester wants to return to the West Coast. The Dodgers remain a wild card.

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