The Atlanta Braves have been one of the rumored potential destinations for free-agent pitcher Jon Lester, especially because of the franchise's proximity to Lester's home in Peachtree, Georgia.
However, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves declined to make a contract offer to Lester when they saw just how pricey landing him will likely be:
#Braves did not make an offer to Lester. Saw where price was going and didn't think they could make competitive offer.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienAJC) December 1, 2014
The Braves offloaded some salary constraints when they traded both Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden to the St. Louis Cardinals last month, and could very well cut more salary off the books if they decide to trade slugger Justin Upton.
Regardless of all that, Lester's current price tag still appears to have scared off Atlanta. CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the Chicago Cubs offered Lester six years at $138 million, while the Boston Red Sox are rumored to be willing to meet or exceed $130 million on a six-year deal.
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