Chicago Cubs Offer Jon Lester Contract ‘North Of’ $135 Million

By Brandon C. Williams | Nov 25, 2014

Sep 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals during the 2014 American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 9-8. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Just how much will it take to sign Jon Lester? The Chicago Cubs are betting it will be more than the $135 million they reportedly offered the All-Star pitcher to anchor their rotation

More from Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs sure aren’t acting like a last-place team, not with the money they reportedly threw in the direction of pitcher Jon Lester.

Lester was offered a six-year deal “north of” $135 million from the Cubs on Tuesday. For those scoring at home, that comes out to at least $22.5 million a season, which is more than enough for a few Chicago-style pizzas and a big, warm home overlooking the lake. What the Cubs define as “north of” remains to be seen, but it should be pause Lester long enough to ponder.

The Cubs are the latest team to make a bid for Lester, who finished 16-10 while pitching for both the Red Sox and Athletics last season. The Giants, who are reportedly bringing Lester in for a visit next week, are in play, along with the Red Sox, Cardinals and Braves. Boston’s interest may have cooled down following their signings of free agents Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval on Monday. They are also one of the teams in the running in a potential trade for Phillies hurler Cole Hamels.

With a minor league system that is churning out young, talented hitters, the Cubs are in need of a front-line ace like Lester, a three-time All-Star who also has anchored the rotation for a pair of World Series champions in Boston. As it stands, Travis Wood projects as Chicago’s opening day starter.

More from FanSided

Home/Chicago Cubs