Jon Lester Stats

Left-handed starting pitcher Jon Lester agreed to a one-year deal with the Washington Nationals on Monday, according to sources familiar with the contract. Financial terms of the deal, which includes a mutual option, were not disclosed. Lester is no longer an ace, but he brings with him a wealth of playoff experience and will fit nicely in a rotation that already includes Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin. The veteran southpaw finished with a 5.16 ERA in 2020, but three of his final four starts produced a 1.06 ERA. The 37-year-old was 3-3 in 61 innings (12 starts) in his final season with Chicago, striking out 42 and walking 17. Lester has 193 career wins and a 2.51 career playoff ERA. He's in the last years of his career and won't strike out a ton, but he could be a nice low-priced DFS play in the right matchups with the Nats.

8 days ago

There remains mutual interest between the Chicago Cubs and veteran left-hander Jon Lester, who became a free agent when the team declined his $25 million 2021 option. "We've been very consistent in our communication with his representatives," president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said. "If things could work out, we'd love to have him back." Lester is now 36 years old and wasn't very good last season, posting a 5.16 ERA in 61 innings pitched. Lester also had a 4.46 ERA and 1.49 WHIP with a career-high 205 hits allowed over 31 starts for the Cubbies in 2019. The Red Sox haven't really been keen on a reunion with Lester after he spent the first eight years of his career there. The Giants are also considering the veteran southpaw, and San Francisco would probably be the best landing spot for his declining fantasy value.

over 1 month ago

Free-agent starting pitcher Jon Lester said he'd be open to a return to the Boston Red Sox in early May, but at the moment it doesn't look like the Red Sox are interested in that scenario becoming a reality, according to a major league source. Lester became a free agent when the Cubs didn't pick up his $25 million option for the 2021 season. The 36-year-old southpaw is coming off a 2020 season in which he had a 5.16 ERA in his 12 starts. Chicago is interested in bringing the veteran hurler back at a cheaper cost. Boston has made calls on free-agent starters Corey Kluber and Matt Shoemaker, and the team also has interest in Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, who was recently posted by the Yomiuri Giants. Lester has a career 3.60 ERA and has made 30-plus starts in 12 seasons, although he's had a 4.64 ERA the last two seasons.

over 1 month ago