The Washington Nationals added a veteran southpaw with championship pedigree to the rotation. The Nationals agreed to a one-year contract with leftist Jon Lester, who is awaiting physical examination, reports reporter Jim Bowden of CBS Sports HQ. The financial terms are unknown. Washington has not yet confirmed the signature.
Lester, 37, fought in 2020, playing 61 entries with an ERA of 5.16 with the Cubs. He has been slightly worse than the league average for the past two years, but achieved an ERA of 3.32 out of 181 2/3 entries by 2018. At the very least, Lester will take the ball every five days. He made at least 31 games every year from 2008-19, in addition to another 12 in the 2020 season of 60 games.
The Nationals will lead their rotation with Max Scherzer, Patrick Corbin and Stephen Strasburg. Lester will step on the scene as No. 4 inn-eater starter and will push Joe Ross and Erick Fedde down on the depth chart. Washington would be interested in Corey Kluber before he signed with the Yankees last week.
Lester is the second ex-Cub to join Nacional this off-season. Washington signed Kyle Schwarber, who was not hired by Chicago last month, a few weeks ago. Schwarber and Josh Bell are the club’s two major offensive additions this winter. The Nationals could still bring in an infielder, specifically a third baseman, as well as bullpen help.
Washington had 26-34 and finished last on NL East last season. However, they have a year to go before they win the World Series, and with their first three beginners making a lot of money, and Juan Soto and Trea Turner still earning salaries below market value and providing great production, it only makes sense to bet on 2021.
Our RJ Anderson did not rank Lester among the 60 best free agents available this offseason.