During the month of July, the Oakland A’s have demonstrated that they are building for a World Series run this year. Only hours before the trade deadline, they traded for Boston Red Sox ace Jon Lester. Earlier in the month (on July 5), they added Chicago Cubs star pitcher Jeff Samardzija.
Lester has won two World Series Championship with the Red Sox. In the Fall Classic, he has been dazzling, going 3-0 with one earned run in 21 innings. He has the lowest ERA of pitcher who have thrown at least 20 innings in the World Series (0.43).
Lester is 10-7 with a 2.52 ERA this season.
Even before acquiring Lester, the A’s boasted the best starting rotation ERA in the American League. Their starters have collected a 3.32 ERA, reports The Washington Post.
In addition to Lester, the A’s will be receiving outfielder Jonny Gomes.
In return, the Red Sox will be adding a big bat to their lineup. Outfielder Yoenis Cespedes will be making his way from Oakland to Boston. He has belted 17 home runs and driven in 56 RBI this season. Cespedes has won the last two Home Run Derbies, according to ESPN.com.
On top of Cespedes, the Red Sox will also be getting Oakland’s competitive balance draft pick.