Red Sox Send Jon Lester To The Athletics

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The Boston Red Sox have traded starting pitcher Jon Lester and outfielder Jonny Gomes to the Oakland Athletics for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.

Also being sent to Boston is a draft pick. The Red Sox have been shopping Lester – who is set to become a free agent at the end of the year – but could not find a suitor willing to give up prospects or another All-Star in return.

Lester will join a dominant Athletics rotation in Scott Kazmir, Sonny Gray, and Jeff Samardzija. Battling for the fifth spot will be Jason Hammel and Jesse Chavez. To make room in the rotation after the Lester trade, Oakland sent Tommy Milone – who was in the starting rotation – to the Minnesota Twins for Sam Fuld.

Lester is 10-7 on the year with a 2.52 ERA and 149 strikeouts in 143 innings. The Athletics are a near-lock for the playoffs, boasting a 66-41 record, best in the MLB. Lester will only bolster the rotation and will be a huge help in their championship run.

As for Cespedes, the Cuban slugger has a .256 average with 17 home runs and 26 doubles. He will give the Red Sox a big boost on offense, providing a big bat that can hit behind players like David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia.

The defending World Series champs are dead last in the American League East, posting a 48-60 record. They have failed to score runs and hit for a high batting average (ranked 25th in runs and 20th in batting average).

Both teams are acquiring a player that will fill one of their needs: the Red Sox are getting a much-needed bat while the Athletics get another ace for their championship run.