Report: Interest in Jon Lester booming; at least 6 teams in pursuit

It appears as though a bidding war is emerging for left-hander Jon Lester.

New suitors are inquiring about Lester's services and at least six teams are now interested, reports FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

Lester has visited with the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves, but Rosenthal notes the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees could also be in on him.

Rosenthal believes the increased interest bodes well for Lester's chances of getting a seven-year deal. The 30-year-old has reportedly already received an offer in the six-year, $110-million range from the Red Sox.

Every potential landing spot Rosenthal mentioned appeals to Lester in a different way: he's beloved at Fenway Park for leading the Red Sox to two championships; he has personal ties with Cubs management (Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein); Lester makes his offseason home in Atlanta; the Cardinals are a playoff contender nearly every season; and the lefty could stick it to Boston management for previously low-balling him by signing with their hated rival, the Yankees.