Nats' Lester: 'Some disappointment' after failing to reach deal with Cubs
Jon Lester acknowledged the Chicago Cubs offered him a contract during the late stages of his negotiations with the Washington Nationals, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago.
The 37-year-old left-hander signed a one-year deal with the Nationals earlier in January, leaving Chicago following a six-season run that included a World Series title in 2016. He became a free agent after the Cubs declined his $25-million option for 2021.
Lester said Wednesday he has "some disappointment" about the way things played out with Chicago, but he added he's excited to join the Nationals.
The five-time All-Star hinted the winds of change are swirling in Chicago after executive Theo Epstein stepped down in November and the team traded ace Yu Darvish to the San Diego Padres in December.
"We all kind of see what's going on," Lester said. "You kind of see where they're headed. That doesn't mean they're going to be bad. ... All of our conversations were great. There was not a negative conversation in there. ... no hard feelings."
Lester went 77-44 with a 3.64 ERA and 1.25 WHIP over six seasons with the Cubs.