Report: Orioles, Red Sox discussing Jon Lester trade

The Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles are close to a deal that would send pitcher Jon Lester to Baltimore. The two sides are in "serious discussions" about a trade that could return a pitcher to Boston.

The Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles are discussing a deal that would send pitcher Jon Lester to Baltimore, reports Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com. 

According to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe, the potential trade would return a pitcher to the Red Sox, and Ghiroli reports Orioles right-hander Miguel Gonzalez could be involved.

Ghiroli said the deal is not done yet, but talks between the sides have "stepped up considerably." Earlier Wednesday, it was reported that the Orioles were likely out of the Jon Lester sweepstakes, reluctant to give up their young pitching prospects like Kevin Gausman. Ghiroli was recently told it is "very unlikely" the deal being discussed would include Gausman. 

Important to note, Boston has other options and doesn't have to drop their Lester price. We'll see how much the Orioles want him.

— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) July 30, 2014

Lester was scratched from his scheduled start on Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The left-hander is in the final season of his five-year, $30 million contract. He has compiled a 10-7 record with a 2.52 ERA and 149 strikeouts this season for Boston. Going into Wednesday, the Red Sox are 48-59 and 12 games behind the Blue Jays in the AL East, while the Orioles sit atop the division.

Gonzalez is 5-5 with a 3.77 ERA for Baltimore in 2014. 

- Molly Geary and Sarah Barshop