Jeff Passan reports that Jon Lester has been traded. The team is unknown at the moment.
Source: Jon Lester has been traded.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2014
Updates to come.
UPDATE 9:42 AM: Passan says Lester is going to a West Coast team.
Lester going to a team on the West Coast.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2014
So I think it’s safe to say we can rule out the Pirates, unless the report is wrong. My guess would be the Athletics.
UPDATE 9:47 AM: Jon Heyman says it appears to be the Athletics, but it’s hard to tell if that’s speculation.
a's, all over lester, appears to have deal for him. #mysteryteam
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2014
UPDATE 9:48 AM: Alex Speier says it’s Lester and Jonny Gomes for Yoenis Cespedes.
Trying to confirm, but hearing Lester and Gomes might be moving for Cespedes
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) July 31, 2014
Confirmed.
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) July 31, 2014
Holy. Balls.
UPDATE 9:53 AM: Pretty much everyone has confirmed this. I usually do an article looking at what the Pirates would have to give up to match the return. In this case, I have no clue. Cespedes is an amazing hitter, but is under control through the 2015 season. Who would you even have to give up if you’re the Pirates? Starling Marte? Gregory Polanco? Neither is on the level of Cespedes right now, but the years of control might even the score. No matter what, this is an insane price that the Pirates probably wouldn’t, and definitely shouldn’t, pay.
Jeff Passan reports that Boston will also receive a comp pick, and Oakland will receive cash.
Final full trade: Jon Lester, Jonny Gomes and $ to Oakland for Yoenis Cespedes and the second pick in the competitive balance Comp B round.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2014
