Cubs congratulate Jon Lester on ‘remarkable’ career after announcing retirement

The Chicago Cubs congratulate starting pitcher Jon Lester on one fantastic baseball career.

After 16 seasons in the big leagues, left-hander Jon Lester decided to hang up the spikes.

While he pitched for five MLB teams over his illustrious career, the Chicago Cubs are one of two franchises he is best associated with. Lester signed with the Cubs in 2015 MLB free agency, playing six seasons on the North Side. He won 77 games with the Cubs, earned two trips to the Mid-Summer Classic and most importantly, helped Chicago win the World Series back in 2016.

Here is what the Cubs had to say in a statement about their long-time starter calling it a career.

Chicago Cubs congratulate left-hander Jon Lester on his great baseball career

“The Cubs want to congratulate Jon Lester on a remarkable career that saw him reach 200 victories with a no-hitter, five All-Star nods and three World Series rings,”  per their statement. “His signing heading into the 2015 season was a turning point for our organization. Jon was integral to our 2016 World Series title team and helped to bring a culture of winning to the club.”

“He was widely respected as a great teammate on and off the field and impacted so many with his community involvement through his charitable foundation, NVRQ. We wish all the best for Jon and his family.”

Given that he helped bring World Series championships to the Cubs and Boston Red Sox, that will play a part in Lester’s hall-of-fame candidacy. While his numbers are good, but not great, Lester was part of many big moments in Cubs and Red Sox uniform. Lester did thrive on the biggest of stages.

Ultimately, Lester will be remembered for his October heroics as much as his good work off the field. The cancer survivor made every team he was on better. Nobody has a bad thing to say about him. At the very least, Lester will be a great ambassador of the game due to his great connection with the Red Sox and Cubs organizations. In a crucial game, you wanted Lester to toe the rubber.

Congratulations on an outstanding career and best of luck in your well-deserved retirement!