Report: The Washington Nationals are Close to Signing Veteran Pitcher Jon Lester (Update: Confirmed)
The Washington Nationals search is over for its fourth starter. The Nationals sign veteran pitcher Jon Lester
According to multiple reports, the Washington Nationals have signed sign 37-year-old Jon Lester to a one year deal with a mutual option, pending a physical.
According to Jeff Passon of ESPN
Lester has played in Major League Baseball for the Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, and Chicago Cubs. While his role has yet to be determined, one would think that he would be part of the starting rotation possibility behind Patrick Corbin. Lester is a veteran and has ties with Manager Davey Martinez and pitching coach Jim Hickey.
By signing Lester, the Nationals will get a pitcher who will eat up innings for the team and will bring a veteran presence to the pitching rotation.
In 2020, Lester went 3-3 and pitched in 12 games with a high ERA of 5.16. However, in 2019, the last full season of play, Lester did have a winning record of 13-10 and had an ERA of 4.46 in 31 games.
One really important note, Jon Lester hasn’t had under 170 innings since 2008, and has only pitched only one other season under 180 once in the span from 2008 - 2020.
Washington Nationals Opening Day Rotation for 2021
Playoff Record
During his nine-year career, Lester has pitched in 17 series and has pitched and won two World Series, one with the Boston RedSox and recently with Chicago. In the playoffs, Lester has a 9-7 win-loss record with a 2.51 ERA.
We will update this article as more becomes available.
