Jon Lester will be one of the most coveted MLB free agents this offseason as reports indicated that at least six teams will pursue the veteran pitcher, including the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox.

Rob Bradford of WEEI reported that six teams will have "legitimate interest" in Lester this offseason. Bradford did not identify the six teams, but he mentioned that the Red Sox will make a strong push, while the Seattle Mariners confirmed that they won't pursue the left hander.

Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington told Bradford that they have already reached out to Lester's representatives about their plan to lure the 30-year-old pitcher, whom they traded to the Oakland Athletics for Yoenis Cespedes in July before the trade deadline.

"I met with them kind of socially and talked about all sorts of things," Cherington said. "I expect the conversation will continue. They have to go through their thing. I still feel like the relationships are in place we can have those conversations."

Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston reported on Monday that Lester will look for a six-year deal worth around $120 million this offseason. The Red Sox are known for their reluctance to offer long-term deals, but Cherington hinted that they are willing to lock Lester up to a multi-year contract if given the chance.

"We've made exceptions, and I'm sure there will be another exception," Cherington said. "It's a case-by-case thing. If all the boxes are checked, sure, there will be a longer term deal. It's just as we've done in the past."

But aside from the Red Sox, the Chicago Tribune also reported that the Cubs will make a strong pitch to acquire Lester with sources saying that the team executives will meet with the nine-year veteran and his representatives next week after Lester's meeting with Boston.

The Cubs were also unwilling to give pitchers lucrative deal before, but they are reportedly convinced that Lester deserves the type of deal that he is looking for this offseason.

Lester, who has impressed several team executives with his durability over the past several years, went 16-11 with a 2.46 ERA and 220 strikeouts in 32 starts last season.

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