The Boston Red Sox made a contract offer to free agent starting pitcher Jon Lester earlier this week, according to ESPN.com.
The source said he did not expect Lester to make a quick decision. Terms of the offer were not disclosed.
Lester met with the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday and was scheduled to meet with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, according to ESPN.
The Toronto Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals have shown interest in the three-time All-Star. The New York Yankees also could be in the picture for the left-hander’s services.
Lester had rejected the four-year, $70 million offer made by the Red Sox in mid-March, then rejected the team’s overtures to reopen negotiations during the season.
The Red Sox traded Lester at the July 31 deadline to the Oakland Athletics for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. Lester and the Red Sox have always said a return to Boston is possible. Lester began his MLB career with Boston in 2006 and helped the team win two World Series titles in 2007 and 2013.
Lester, who turns 31 in January, is reportedly expected to command a contract for at least six years in the $130 million to $150 million range. Lester made $13 million last season.
Lester went 16-11 with a 2.46 ERA with 220 strikeouts last season for Boston and Oakland. In eight MLB seasons, he has compiled a 116-67 record with a 3.58 ERA with 1,457 strikeouts.