Bears News: Jon Lester reportedly signs with Nationals |
Things are certainly changing in Chicago.
Former Chicago standout pitcher Jon Lester and the Washington Nationals have agreed to a one-year deal on Monday night. The deal is pending a physical. Lester will be reunited with his former Cubs teammate Kyle Schwarber, pitching coach Jim Hickey, and former bench coach Dave Martinez who is the Nationals manager. Lester will fit in nicely behind Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin in the Nationals rotation. As a Cubs player, Lester had a 77-44 record with a 3.64 ERA in 171 starts, including a sparkling 2.44 ERA in 12 playoff games. He was co-MVP of the 2016 NLCS, going 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA and a two-time All-Star with the ballclub. In 2020, he had a 5.16 ERA in 12 starts. He is third in active players in wins (193), third in playoff wins (9), and eighth in strikeouts (2,397). On behalf of Cubs fans everywhere, best of luck to Lester in Washington. It was certainly fun covering you the last six seasons during a historic time for the Cubs. Beyond disappointing the Cubs offer to Jon Lester came very late in the process and was not close to the money the Washington Nationals offered. That is not how you take care of the greatest free agent signing in team history and one of the two best in Chicago sports history. Jon Lester is signing with the Nationals, per reports. Jon Lester had badly wanted to return to Chicago to get his 200th victory in a #Cubs uniform being signing with the #Nats. Jon Lester. The best. The best free agent signing in Cubs history. pic.twitter.com/LUeGdBvW5z As good a time as any to enjoy Jon Lester’s postgame interview after he and the Cubs knocked out his new team, Washington, in the 2017 NLDS. pic.twitter.com/mVxJw3s3VL
Thank you for 6 AMAZING years, #34. For always laying it on the line, being a grinder, and showing up in big games.
The BEST free agent signing in Cubs history. pic.twitter.com/9Rt2ViX3WI
He changed everything.
HE CHANGED EVERYTHING CUB.
His arrival meant a new day & era.
Adversity early @ Wrigley & he said ??
He saved his best for the biggest games.
The #Cubs paid him big & he performed BIGGER.
Thank you @JLester34. pic.twitter.com/E41m0NoZ1H
