Report: Lackey won't retire, intends to pitch in 2018

John Lackey isn't calling it a career just yet.

Despite rumors that Lackey was considering retiring following the Chicago Cubs' postseason elimination, the 15-year veteran reportedly intends to pitch at least one more season in 2018, a source told FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman.

After Lackey's late-September start against the St. Louis Cardinals - a six-inning, one-run outing that helped the Cubs clinch a second consecutive division title - longtime teammate Jon Lester suggested during the ensuing clubhouse celebration that Lackey's career was over.

"Tonight was probably his last regular-season start," Lester said. "Here's to one hell of a career."

The 39-year-old Lackey owns a career 3.92 ERA in 2840 1/3 innings. He pitched eight seasons with the Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels before stints with the Boston Red Sox, Cardinals, and Cubs.