WASHINGTON – Left-handed Jon Lester and the Washington Nationals have entered into an agreement in principle for a one-year contract pending the successful completion of a physical examination, a person with knowledge of the deal has confirmed to The Associated Press.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity on Monday evening because the contract was not yet official.
ESPN was the first to report an agreement between Lester and the Nationals, whose manager, Dave Martinez, was the bench coach for the Chicago Cubs when the starting pitcher helped that club win the 2016 World Series for its first title in 108 years.
Lester is expected to fill the need for a No. 4 starter in Washington and land in a rotation led by three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, 2019 World Series MVP and left-wing Patrick Corbin.
When Washington finished last in the NL East in 2020, Washington’s busy outdoor season already included adding free agency outfielder Kyle Schwarber – like Lester, of the Cubs – and first baseman Josh Bell in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Lester turned 37 this month and is heading into his 16th season in 2021. He has a record of 193-111 and a 3.60 ERA for his career, which was spent primarily with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, plus part of one season with the Oakland Athletics.
Lester is a workhorse who has won 200 innings in eight regular seasons and still pitched at least 170 in each of the past three full years.
He also starred in the postseason, with a 2.51 ERA in 154 innings, helping Boston win a few World Series championships before being part of Chicago’s title run.
Lester pitched 61 innings over 12 starts during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, 3-3 with a career-high 5.16 ERA for the Cubs.
His $ 25 million two-way option for 2021 was turned down by the Cubs in October, signing a $ 155 million six-year contract and allowing Lester to become a free agent. Lester is owed a $ 10 million buyout from Chicago: $ 2 million on December 31 from 2022 to 2026.
He was 77-44 with a 3.64 ERA in 171 starts with the Cubs.