MLB Winter Meetings: Five Bold Predictions

Sep 24, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) pitches the ball against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

4- Jon Lester Will Sign With The Boston Red Sox

I have nothing to support this. I know many people have him pegged to go the Chicago Cubs, while others have mentioned the Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants and even the Mariners as potential landing spots.

I just think that his history with the Red Sox and the moves they have made acquiring Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval signal an intent to erase last season’s debacle and get back on the track that saw the club win three World Series titles in a 10-year span.

Despite what I was told by a former GM in regard to the Mariners trading Walker for Upton then signing Lester, I never saw it as a viable option. Especially now that the Mariners have another left-handed starter in J.A. Happ, I just couldn’t see them moving a right-handed starter and signing another lefty.

Unless they seriously wanted three lefties in the rotation, I think if the Mariners were going to go after a free agent starting pitcher, they’d go after Max Scherzer. I don’t think the club will open their purse strings that loose, but it would make for one heck of a statement to the American League.