Jon Lester, who is eligible for free agency after the 2014 season, said he is willing to take a discount to remain with the Boston Red Sox.
"These guys are my No. 1 priority,'' Lester said. "I want to be here 'til they rip this jersey off my back."
Lester said he has not yet spoken with general manager Ben Cherington regarding an extension.
"It's like Pedey [Dustin Pedroia]. He left a lot of money on the table to stay here. That's what he wanted to do. I understand that. That's my choice, that's his choice," Lester said.
"I understand that to stay here, you're not going to get a free-agent deal. You're not going to do it. You can't. It's not possible. You're bidding against one team. I understand you're going to take a discount to stay. Do I want to do that? Absolutely.
"But just like they want it to be fair for them, I want it to be fair for me and my family.''
Via Gordon Edes/ESPN