Jon Lester: 'Couldn't Be More Excited' To Be A Cub
(CBS) It was a long process that tested the patience of everyone involved, but left-hander Jon Lester chose to become a Chicago Cub late Tuesday when he accepted a six-year, $155-million deal to come to Chicago. It includes a seventh-year option.
Lester took to Twitter on Wednesday morning to express his joy to join the Cubs.
Extremely difficult decision for me and my family but we love the outcome and couldn't be more excited to join the Cubs organization! #NVRQT
— Jon Lester (@JLester34) December 10, 2014
Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta also expressed his thoughts.
The cubby bears just got a lot better.
— Jake Arrieta (@JArrieta34) December 10, 2014
The 30-year-old Lester was 16-11 with a 2.46 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 220 strikeouts in 219 2/3 innings for the Red Sox and Athletics last season, and he finished fourth in Cy Young voting for the second time in his career. Lester is a three-time All-Star and will become the Cubs' No. 1 starter.
The Red Sox reportedly offered Lester a six-year, $135-million deal, but the money and his connection to Cubs front office members Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and Jason McLeod from their time in Boston were the deciding factors.
Lester thanked the Red Sox fans for their support and his terrific run in Boston, which included two World Series titles.
To Red Sox Nation, I understand the disappointment. Boston will always have a big place in my heart and we'll always consider y'all family!
— Jon Lester (@JLester34) December 10, 2014