REPORT: Chicago Cubs and John Lackey agree on a two-year deal

For the first time in postseason history, the Chicago Cubs squared off against the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series which started at Busch Stadium.

Game 1 of that series matched first year Cub, Jon Lester up against one of his best friends in John Lackey. Lackey got the best of Lester and the Cubs, walking away with the series opener after working 7 1/3 shutout innings.

In 33 starts with the N.L. Central winning Redbirds, the 37-year-old right-hander wrapped up the season with a 13-10 record, 2.77 ERA, 175/53 K/BB ratio and 1.21 WHIP across 218 innings of work. His earned run average just so happened to be a career-best.

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Once the Chicago Cubs were eliminated by the New York Mets, the idea of wanting to sign the 12-year veteran was on the minds of both Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. This is a man who pitched in not only Game 1 but came off the bench on less than five days of rest and took the mound for Game 5.

Now according to CSN Chicago, Lackey and the Cubs were able to agree on a two-year deal worth around $32 million, adding him to this starting rotation which feature his good friend Lester, and the N.L. Cy Young winner, Jake Arrieta.

Still, former Cub Jeff Samardzija could be another possibility for this bullpen, but there were rumors of him possibly receiving an $100 million offer from an unknown team. At least according to him.

The Cardinals were put in a tough position right out of the gate when ace right-hander Adam Wainwright went down with a serious injury, only to have him throwing in the bullpen during the postseason.

He, too, pitched well against the North Siders in the series’ opening game, not so much when visiting Wrigley Field. Wainwright and company will be without Lance Lynn and nearly landed southpaw David Price, who opted to sign a $217 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.

World Series Champion Johnny Cueto is still available, but his price tag may be too high considering the money that Price will be receiving. We’re still waiting on which team Zack Greinke will decide to pitch for — either the Dodgers or Giants and may end up becoming the richest pitcher in the game.

Lackey will more than likely make his Cubs debut in a start against the Los Angeles Angels to open up the 2016 campaign. A team that he made his big league debut with back in 2002.