Report: Jon Lester joining the Chicago Cubs ‘doubtful’

According to a report out of Chicago, southpaw Jon Lester‘s joining the Chicago Cubs is now ‘looking doubtful,’ as the veteran ace heads into another week of meetings with potential suitors.

According to WEEI, the left-hander is meeting with two more teams next week after already meeting with the Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves and the Cubs recently. After missing out on landing catcher Russell Martin, who is known as one of the best defensive backstops in baseball today, some have speculated that Lester may be less likely to join the Cubs, although whether or not that has factored into Wittenmeyer’s report is unclear.

Last season, Lester began the year with the Red Sox before heading to the Oakland Athletics in a blockbuster midseason trade that sent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes to the West Coast. Between the two clubs, the left-hander posted a career-best 2.46 ERA and 220 punchouts in 32 starts – once again showcasing his dependability and durability.

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After spending his whole career with Boston, Lester could look to return to Boston, which says that it has not extended a “final offer” to its former ace. However, with Chicago, the southpaw would no-doubt be the face of the rotation, which is currently spearheaded by Jake Arrieta, who broke out in a big way in 2014, flirting with no-hitters on three separate occasions.

Lester has long-been mentioned as a top target of Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer this offseason, with other options, including Max Scherzer and James Shields also coming to the surface of rumors, as well. That being said, the team may choose to not partake in a bidding war given the relative strength of next year’s free agent class.