Report: Orioles in 'serious talks' to acquire Lester from Red Sox, no deal in place
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The Baltimore Orioles are in 'serious talks' to acquire Jon Lester from the Boston Red Sox, according to MLB.com's Brittany Ghiroli.
There are conflicting reports regarding a potential trade between the two clubs, with Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal tempering expectations that a deal is imminent.
Hearing from multiple sources that Lester to #Orioles is not close. Doesn’t mean it won’t happen. But not happening yet.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2014
The latest report from Ghiroli describes the talks as "serious" but with no preliminary deal in place as of yet. More from MLB.com:
The Red Sox, like most clubs, covet the Orioles top young pitchers including Dylan Bundy, Kevin Gausman and Hunter Harvey. Gausman is currently part of the team’s rotation and the Orioles are highly unlikely to deal the 23-year-old for a two-month rental in Lester. Right-hander Miguel Gonzalez, who the Orioles have dangled as trade bait to several National League clubs already this season, could potentially be involved with the Red Sox rumored to be seeking pitcher in return to Lester.
Lester, a free agent at the end of the season, was scratched from Wednesday's start against the Toronto Blue Jays in anticipation of a potential trade.
Adding further fuel to the speculation, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com adds this:
hearing that #mysteryteam may be getting more involved in lester talks
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 30, 2014