The Red Sox apparently already had an offer in place for Jon Lester when he visited Boston earlier this week. The Miami Marlins are the first team to take a stab at free-agent first baseman Adam LaRoche.
According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the terms of the contract that the Red Sox presented to Lester included six years and between $110 and $120 million. That's two years and at least $40 million more than the team's original extension they presented him back in April. Despite the formidable offer, the Red Sox don't expect Lester to make an immediate decision.
Since meeting with Boston, Lester has traveled to Chicago to meet with the Cubs and is scheduled to meet with the Braves on Thursday. ESPN's Jim Bowden also noted that the St. Louis Cardinals entered the picture, indicating the competition could heat up. There has been no news of an offer from Chicago's side, but it's well-known Lester is their top priority. ESPN Boston's Gordon Edes predicted the bidding could reach $132 million, but it may surpass that based on Boston's initial offer.
First baseman Adam LaRoche is a free agent as well, but he won't be receiving the money Lester is expected to. The former Washington National has finally garnered serious interest this offseason and was presented with a two-year, $20 million contract from the Miami Marlins, says Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. The Nationals declined his $15 million option for 2015, so this is an offer LaRoche is likely considering.
The Marlins just signed Giancarlo Stanton to a 13-year, $325 million deal, but he's only making $107 million in the first six seasons, which gives the team financial flexibility to add a few more free agents to help them win now. LaRoche is one of them because Miami is in need of another middle-of-the-order bat to provide power alongside Stanton. The team is also looking to add a free-agent pitcher, whether it's James Shields, Jason Hammel or Justin Masterson, among others.
LaRoche cranked 26 homers and 92 RBIs with the Nationals in 2014 and he could put up similar numbers in 2015 if he has help in the lineup from youngsters Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna and Adeiny Hechavarria, who all impressed this past season.
If Miami can add LaRoche and one of the better free-agent pitchers, they could be a threat in the NL East next season.
