Jon Lester rumors: 4 teams showing considerable interest in the ace left hander

The sweepstakes for Jon Lester is heating up, with a decision from the 30-year-old expected this week.

Lester just might be the most-coveted arm in this free-agent class, and the rest of the starting-pitching market has basically stalled waiting to see where he lands. The left hander is expected to sign a deal for at least six years and more than $20 million annually. At least three teams -- the Cubs, Giants and Red Sox -- are currently seen as serious contenders for Lester's signature, and a number of other clubs have expressed interest as well.

Any suitor who misses out on Lester is likely to turn to an alternative, with Max Scherzer and James Shields, the most notable names in free agency, and Cole Hamels thought to be available for the right price on the trade market. For now, however, the focus is on Lester, and here is what we know at the moment about each team in pursuit of the veteran lefty:

The Red Sox have reportedly wanted to re-sign Lester ever since they traded him for Yoenis Cespedes at the deadline. They, too, have a six-year offer on the table according to Heyman, which, at $130 million, comes in slightly below Chicago's offer. Considering their hopes to contend in 2015, the Red Sox might be even more desperate for pitching than the Cubs. But Boston has been reluctant to fully commit to Lester given his age, and it's an open question if Boston will pay top dollar, especially if the bidding moves closer to the $150-million range. Some reports indicate the Red Sox view Hamels as an alternative to Lester should the asking price grow too expensive.

Lester met with the Giants Monday, and though no formal offer has been reported, the 2014 World Series champions certainly have money to spend after missing out on Pablo Sandoval. What's more, San Francisco's starting rotation is thin, and the club could use a pitcher to pair with Madison Bumgarner at the top of its rotation. Matt Cain is coming off elbow surgery, Tim Hudson is 39 and the Giants have little else in the way of reliable starters on the roster. Outside of the Cubs and Red Sox, the Giants appear to be the most likely team to sign Lester, though how much they are ultimately willing to spend is unknown.

Braves

Atlanta's status as a suitor for Lester is less serious than the others mentioned. According to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves won't be getting into a bidding war for the 30-year-old, which pretty much puts them out of the running. Lester lives near Atlanta and met with Braves officials, but the team just traded away Jason Heyward and might move Justin Upton this offseason as well. Atlanta isn't truly in any position to contend anyhow, which is something Lester is reportedly taking into account.

Beyond these four teams, the Blue Jays, Cardinals and Royals have also been linked with Lester, though all three are considered long shots at best. Some have speculated that the Yankees could enter the bidding at some point, but they haven't yet shown any indication of doing so.