Yoenis Cespedes Traded for Jon Lester

Jul 25, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (30) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

With a only hours left before the non-waiver trade deadline, A’s fans have been holding their breath in anticipation for one last potential trade. The rumors have discussed additional pitching depth, a center fielder or a second baseman. Social media instantly swirled with excitement following news regarding Jon Lester. Boston Red Sox Manager, John Farrell, announced during Tuesday night’s post game press conference that Jon Lester has been scratched from a Wednesday start.

"“In light of all the uncertainty surrounding Jon Lester, it’s probably in everyone’s best interest that he does not make that start,” Farrell said. “So Brandon [Workman] will be recalled; there will be a corresponding move, roster wise, at some point tomorrow.”"

Lester’s 2014 ERA is at a career low of 2.52 and he is averaging around 200 IP per season. As Lester inches closer to free agency, it is no secret that the last place Red Sox are looking to trade their ace. With Lester on the trading block and Beane sniffing around for even more pitching depth, this trade has obvious potential.

"#Athletics acquire pitcher Jon Lester, outfielder Jonny Gomes from BOS for Yoenis Cespedes & Competitive Balance Pick–Oakland Athletics @Athletics July 31, 2014"

More from Oakland A's Rumors

• Is there more to come for Oakland A’s this offseason?
• Oakland A’s have interest in Arizona Diamondbacks outfielders
• Oakland A’s rightly asking for king’s ransom for Sean Murphy
• 3 things to watch for during Winter Meetings for Oakland A’s
• Atlanta Braves surprising entrant in Sean Murphy Sweepstakes

The 30-year old lefty has made a big name for himself in his 8 year career with Boston. Lester was a second round draft pick by Boston in 2002, and made his Major League debut with the team in June 2006. Lester is a 3-time All-Star (2010, 2011, 2014) and 2-time World Series Champion (2007 and 2013). He also pitched a no-hitter in 2008.

Many A’s fans have expressed desire to acquire Lester, but was the cost worth it? Athletics welcome back Jonny Gomes, who now shares World Series experience with Boston. The A’s also turned around an reacquired Sam Fuld with a trade involving Tommy Milone.

Live Feed

8 Points, 9 Seconds

The addition of Lester to the Athletics’ rotation would almost be an embarrassment of riches. The A’s already have 3 starting pitchers with sub-3.00 ERAs, and the addition of Lester would add playoff experience and success to the Athletics. The potential of facing Lester, Kazmir, Gray, and Samardzija in the post season would intimidate any team and could easily jeopardize their World Series dreams.

"It looks as if Lester will start for #Athletics on Saturday night.Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) July 31, 2014"

Beane is clearly seeking proven arms that have demonstrated the ability to pitch innings. Lester has pitched 1,519 innings in his career, 143 thus far in 2014. He has also has pitched 10 complete games, and 3 shut outs since his debut. Beane’s continued big moves all seem to point towards generating momentum for a very realistic 2014 World Series run.