Have things changed for Jon Lester and the Chicago Cubs?

It seems just a week ago the chances of the Chicago Cubs acquiring Jon Lester were dead in the water. Thanks to the Boston Red Sox recent spending spree, the Cubs may have resurfaced.

The Red Sox have signed Hanley Ramirez, and according to reports have a deal in place with Pablo Sandoval. The Ramirez deal is for four-years at $88 million with a vesting option for a fifth year. Sandoval’s deal is expected to be for five-years, near $90 million. That puts the Red Sox spending at near $180 million, with Lester expected to command a deal near $100 million for five-years. I’d say the Red Sox are looking to go “all in”. 

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So where does this leave the Cubs? The Red Sox aren’t out of the equation. They may use the two new signings to help lure Lester, showing they are serious about winning. The Atlanta Braves are still near the top, as Lester resides about an hour from the stadium. The San Francisco Giants may decide to make a move on Lester, as the money they may have had “budgeted” for Sandoval has nowhere to go.

Nothing on the Cubs side has changed. They offer Lester a chance to anchor a staff with rising stars in Jake Arrieta and Kyle Hendricks, and a strong roster full of young talent. And while they may not spend what Boston has this year, they will be primed to let loose next year, and that can be used to sell him on Chicago as well.

Lester has been clear that it won’t simply be about the biggest paycheck, although he’s in a prime position to get paid well this off-season. He wants to be in a place that he feels most comfortable in–and without actually saying it– on a team that’s in a position to win. The Cubs may be on the bottom when it comes to that list compared to other suitors, but not by that much.

While he continues to make his free agent tour, the landscape is ever-changing as evident by the stunning signings of two of the more notable free agents on the market. The signings may also foreshadow more moves from Boston, as they have become heavy at third base and the outfield which could signal a trade. Possibly for Cole Hamels? Also on the Cubs list of targets.

What is clear is that the only way to be fully in control of free agency is to be willing to spend more than everyone else.