The Washington Nationals and veteran left-handed starting pitcher Jon Lester have reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with a mutual option for the 2022 season.
Lester is best known for his time with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, two teams that he helped lead to a total of three World Series championships as a key member of their rotations. The 37-year-old veteran will now embark on a new adventure with a club that won the title just two seasons ago.
The five-time All-Star saw his ERA balloon during the past two seasons with the Cubs. After an excellent 2018 season, he saw his ERA rise over a run to 4.46 in 2019 before seeing it go even higher in the abbreviated 2020 season, finishing at 5.16 with a 3-3 record.
While the deal has still not been officially announced, sources have indicated that Lester will be paid $5 million for the 2021 season. There is no word on how much the 2022 mutual option would be worth.
Expect Lester to slot into the back of the Nationals rotation and build depth behind Stephen Strasburg, Max Scherzer, and Patrick Corbin as the Nationals look to get back into playoff contention after a disappointing 2020.
