Brace yourselves, Cubs fans, because this reporting feels like the kind of stuff you see before a deal is finalized. (UPDATE: It is indeed happening.)
Jon Lester is likely to join his former left fielder, bench coach, and pitching coach in Washington:
Jon Lester could be headed to Cubs East with Schwarber, Davey Martinez and Jim Hickey, sources tell me and @Ken_Rosenthal.
— jon greenberg (@jon_greenberg) January 18, 2021
Nats are in talks for Jon Lester, as @Ken_Rosenthal reported
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 18, 2021
Lester, 37, had overall meh numbers for the Cubs in the weird 2020 season, but he still showed the ability to put together very competitive starts (and, at times, dominant ones). As a 4th/5th starter type on a competitive team, given everything he brings to a club? He’s worth having on most teams. I’m unsurprised that the Nationals are trying to bring him in.
The Cubs left open the possibility of a reunion with Lester, but it was always going to have to be on the ultra cheap, and it’s not like Lester has to wait around for that. He seemed to sense it might be the end of the line for him with the Cubs when he bought the city a beer on the way out the door. I am not super thrilled to have to soon write up his eventual signing with the Nationals …
At least these two will be together again:
Before workout, video plays of Kyle Schwarber saying how proud he has been to be Jon Lester’s left fielder. They share a hug afterwards as teammates clap. pic.twitter.com/MLeszzIXkv
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) September 29, 2020