Jon Lester explained his decision to end talks with the Boston Red Sox on a long-term deal until after the season, saying he was "thrown off" by what he saw as a turnabout by the club.

Lester said Boston never upped their original offer, even though sources have suggested that they were willing to increase it significantly.

"When the time is right, we can talk about it," said Lester, who can become a free agent after the season.

The Red Sox were actually prepared to raise their initial suggestion of $70 million for four years to $100 million for five years, or thereabouts, according to sources.