Report: Giants have shown interest in Jon Lester

With long-time third baeman Pablo Sandoval reportedly set to sign a five-year deal with the Boston Red Sox, the San Francisco Giants may direct their focus towards improving their rotation this winter.

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the club has shown interest in left-hander Jon Lester. They could emerge as a legitimate suitor for the three-time All-Star after saving considerable money by failing to re-sign Sandoval.

Lester, however, has also received interest from at least three other clubs - the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Atlanta Braves all met with him in recent weeks - with another three rumored to be in the mix. The 30-year-old turned down a four-year, $70-million extension from the Red Sox during spring training and it appears increasing likely he commands a deal totaling six or seven years.

The Giants, meanwhile, would benefit greatly from the addition of Lester after their rotation stumbled to a 3.74 ERA last season, the sixth-worst mark in the National League. Both Jake Peavy and Ryan Vogelsong are also poised to sign elsewhere as free agents, leaving the Giants with holes to address in their rotation.