Cubs have a trio of starters – all of whom can be called an ace

Chicago Cubs couldn’t have asked for more from Lester

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I know, I know. Darvish has an arsenal unlike any other pitcher in the league and Hendricks mixes and matches his pitches better than just about anyone out there.

But the one guy who faced the most questions this spring is 36-year-old Jon Lester.

He doesn’t throw hard anymore. He doesn’t strike people out like he used to. Still, Lester is inducing a ton of soft contact, out-thinking hitters, rather than overpowering them. Looking at his strikeout rate, which has precipitously dropped off in his first three starts of 2020, you might be worried.

Lester has allowed just three barrels on the year and carries the second-lowest ERA in the NL (1.06) behind only Trevor Bauer of the Reds. He’s far outperforming his FIP (3.85), but at the end of the day, results are results – regardless of how you’re getting them.

It probably won’t last. And that’s alright. Lester is pulling his weight in what may very well be his last go-round with the Cubs. With this trio firing on all cylinders, Chicago is off to a stellar start with an eye on bringing a second title to the North Side to mark the end of an era.