The rest of the starting pitcher free agent market will now fall into place after Wednesday’s signing of starting pitcher Jon Lester. Lester courted by the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants decided to sign with the Cubs for a six- year, $155 million deal which computes to an average of $25.8 million per year.
The three-time All-Star was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the second round of the 2002 draft. At age 22, Lester made his major league debut with the Red Sox, starting 15 games. His production steadily increased and Lester’s only non-double digit win year between 2008-2014 came in 2012. The lefty has thrown over 200 innings in six of seven years with 191 innings pitched in the only year that did not eclipse the 200 inning benchmark.
Lester is known for his command and control as well as his ability to strikeout opposing batters in bunches. He averages 8.2 K/9IP and 3.1 BB/9IP over his career but his 2014 numbers were much better by average almost a strikeout more per nine innings pitched (9.0K/9IP) and a walk less per nine innings pitched (2.0 BB/9IP).
The Cubs are quickly rebuilding and the signing of Lester only furthers the case that Theo Epstein is ready to win now. At $25.8 million, the 30 year old lefty is not cheap but well worth the money. Since 2008, Lester has averaged 4.3 wins above replacement per year with an extreme down year in 2012 (0.7 WAR). Basically, Lester is and will continue to be an All-Star pitcher while successfully anchoring the Cubs pitching staff for the next six years.
Epstein also hired renowned former Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon this off-season in order to usher the Cubs into a new era of baseball. The Cubs also upgraded their lineup, via trade, with the addition of Miguel Montero from the Arizona Diamondbacks after a disastrous season behind the plate by Welington Castillo.
Ultimately, Chicago found their ace in the former Red Sox and the Cubs brass is hoping that Lester will lead them to the promise land for the first time since 1908.
[Photo: Jason O. Watson/Getty Images] http://cdn.tpgvideoadmin.com/widgets/js/widget.js?tpgvwidget-hash=18cb84839328dc63168cb3b396d84421Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
