Jim Bowden: St. Louis Cardinals pursuing Jon Lester

The St. Louis Cardinals are pursuing left-handed starting pitcher Jon Lester according to ESPN Senior Baseball Insider and Analyst Jim Bowden.

A signing of Lester would reunite him with his former Boston Red Sox teammate John Lackey. Lackey’s option was picked up by the Cardinals and could very well play a role in reuniting with Lester.

The three-time All Star posted a 16-11 record with a 2.46 ERA in 32 starts split between Boston and the Oakland Athletics during the 2014 season. He struck out 220 batters in 219.2 innings pitched.

However, Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons told WEEI that he believes that the pitcher will return to the Red Sox (via CBS Sports). Gammons suggested that the New York Yankees might look into getting in the race.

In Bowden’s latest status check, here is what he had to say about the Cardinals:

"One of the best-run organizations in baseball, perennial contenders. Well, they just solved right field with the acquisition of the game’s best defensive right fielder in Jason Heyward, who will help the lineup too. This team could use a little bullpen quality and depth, but it’s a legit World Series contender and should continue to be under the leadership of GM John Mozeliak and manager Mike Matheny and the financial support of Bill DeWitt."

Calling the Cardinals a legit contender, Bowden says nothing about getting more pitching in the rotation.