Red Sox pick up Lester's option

The Boston Red Sox exercised a $13 million contract option for next year on starting pitcher Jon Lester, WEEI reported Friday.

The 29-year-old Lester has spent all eight years of his major league career with the Red Sox. In 2013, he posted a 15-8 record with a 3.75 ERA in 213 1/3 innings.

Lester was even better during the postseason, logging a 4-1 record and allowing only six runs in five postseason starts as the Red Sox won the World Series.

The left-hander will be eligible for free agency after next season. He had signed a five-year, $30 million contract with a team option for 2014.