Reports: Free agent Jon Lester will meet with Giants next week

Free agent pitcher Jon Lester will meet with the Giants next week, according to multiple reports. ESPN's Jim Bowden was first to report the news, which was later confirmed by the Associated Press. 

Lester, who was traded from the Red Sox to the Athletics in July, has drawn interest from several teams. CSN Chicago's David Kaplan reports the Cubs have offered Lester a contract worth more than $135 million. 

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported Sunday that six teams were interested in Lester: the Cubs, Red Sox, Royals, Cardinals, Blue Jays and Braves.

• 2014 MLB Free-Agent Tracker​

The Giants recently saw third baseman Pablo Sandovalsign with the Red Sox, giving them the financial leeway to sign another high-priced free agent. 

Lester finished fourth in Cy Young voting this season. He was 16-11 with a 2.46 ERA and 1.102 WHIP, both career-bests. 

- Dan Gartland