Maddon: Lackey a perfect fit for Cubs

Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon loves the pedigree of his newest acquisition, John Lackey.

The Cubs officially agreed to a two-year, $32-million deal with the right-hander on Tuesday, complementing a strong duo in Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester.

Lackey will earn $12.5 million next season, $12.5 million in 2017, and the deal includes a $7-million signing bonus, according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman.

"He's almost a perfect fit for us after the season we just had," Maddon told reporters.

Lackey is coming off a career-year, his 13th in the majors, and one in which he went 13-10 with a 2.77 ERA and 175 strikeouts across 218 innings.

The 37-year-old has been criticized in the past for his fiery demeanour that has, at times, rubbed teammates and opponents the wrong way. Maddon, however, welcomes the attitude of his new starter with open arms.

"I like the edge, I love the edge," Maddon said. "Edge is good."

The Cubs are no longer going to catch teams by surprise coming off a 97-win season and Maddon wants the team to carry itself as one that expects to be a World Series contender moving forward.

"The target's going to be bigger, and I want us to embrace the target," Maddon said.