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Red Sox's GM on Lester: 'The relationship is in place that will allow for a conversation'

Kelley L Cox / USA TODAY Sports

Boston Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington acknowledged Thursday that the familiarity between the team and free agent Jon Lester will allow for a discussion this offseason. 

Though, where that conversation ends up remains to be seen. 

"The relationship is in place that will allow for a conversation and from there, we'll see" Cherington told reporters on a conference call." He’ll have options, we will too and we look forward to having a constructive conversation at some point."

The two sides were unable to come to an agreement on an extension, with the 30-year-old reportedly balking at a four-year, $70 million deal that the Red Sox initially offered him last season. 

Despite Lester continuously stating his desire to remain in Boston - a place where he spent the first nine years of his career - he eventually became open to accepting a trade elsewhere. Though, he said he'd be more than willing to speak with the Red Sox about a return in the offseason. 

"If that's where they want to go with it, that's fine," Lester told Ian Browne of MLB.com in July. "No hard feelings. Hopefully, come November, I'll be right here and won't have to worry about it."

Lester and Jonny Gomes were eventually packaged in a deal to the Oakland Athletics for Yoenis Cespedes at the non-waiver trade deadline. 

One of the top free agents on the market this offseason, Lester pitched his way into what is expected to be a very lucrative contract. In 32 starts in 2014, Lester posted a 16-11 record to go with a career-low 2.46 ERA and 220 strikeouts in 219 2/3 innings. 

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