The Boston Red Sox are preparing another long-term contract offer for Jon Lester, according to a source.

The source would not make any predictions about the outcome of another offer and talks with the left-hander.

Lester has added to the drama by preferring not to re-open talks with the Red Sox until after the season.

"If they make an offer that's right there [at market value]," Lester said then, "yeah, then maybe something can get done."