As first reported by Jon Greenberg and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, and subsequently confirmed by multiple other outlets, Jon Lester and the Washington Nationals are engaged in contract talks. Both Lester and the Cubs had expressed interest in a reunion, but veteran surely wants a chance to play for a team for a team trying to win rather than spending a year as a de facto mascot. While that’s certainly in his best interests, it makes last season even more bittersweet for fans.
Jon Lester could be headed to Cubs East with Schwarber, Davey Martinez and Jim Hickey, sources tell me and @Ken_Rosenthal.