MLB Free Agency: Nationals and Jon Lester agree to one-year contract

The Washington Nationals added a veteran southpaw with a championship pedigree to the rotation. The Nationals have agreed to a one-year contract with physically-held free agent Jon Lester, reports reporter Jim Bowden of CBS Sports HQ. Financial terms are unknown. Washington has yet to confirm the signing.

Lester, 37, struggled in 2020, pitching 61 innings with a 5.16 ERA with the Cubs. He’s been worse than the league average the past two years, but managed a 3.32 ERA in 181 2/3 innings as recently as 2018. If nothing else, Lester will take the ball all five. days. He made at least 31 starts each year from 2008-19, plus 12 more in the 2020 60-game season.

The Nationals will face their rotation with Max Scherzer, Patrick Corbin and Stephen Strasburg. Lester will step in as a No.4 starter who eats innings and push Joe Ross and Erick Fedde down the depths table. Washington reportedly took an interest in Corey Kluber before signing with the Yankees late last week.

Lester is the second former Cub to join the Nationals this offseason. Washington signed Kyle Schwarber, who was not nominated by Chicago last month, a few weeks ago. Schwarber and Josh Bell are the club’s two big offensive additions this winter. The Nationals could still bring in an infielder, especially a third baseman, as well as help from a paddock.

Washington went 26-34 and finished last in the NL East last season. However, they are one year away from winning the World Series and with their top three starters making a lot of money, and Juan Soto and Trea Turner are still earning below market wages and providing great production, that doesn’t matter. sense that to go there in 2021..

Our RJ Anderson failed to rank Lester among the top 60 free agents available this offseason.