Athletics Acquire SP Jon Lester from Red Sox for Yoenis Cespedes
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Robert Rogers/MLB Photos via Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The Oakland Athletics have acquired starting pitcher Jon Lester, outfielder Jonny Gomes, and cash considerations from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and a 2015 competitive balance pick.
The Red Sox were dangling Lester for several days leading up to Thursday’s 4 p.m. ET non-waiver trade deadline.
Several teams were believed to be interested in the two-time World Series champion, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Baltimore Orioles. In the end, it was the Athletics who swooped in and gave the Red Sox an offer they couldn’t refuse.
The 30-year-old Lester will be a free agent after the season.
He will join a strong rotation in Oakland that already includes All-Stars Jeff Samardzija and Scott Kazmir, along with youngster Sonny Gray.
Cespedes, 28, is a two-time reigning Home Run Derby champion who has 17 homers and 56 RBIs this season. He will provide the Red Sox with a big bat in the middle of their lineup.
Gomes is hitting .234 with 6 home runs and 32 RBIs in 2014.
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