Cubs News: Jon Lester’s final farewell to Wrigley Field?

The Chicago Cubs’ Jon Lester has had a terrific career with the team, but has he pitched his last game at Wrigley Field?

The Chicago Cubs and Jon Lester may have pitched his last game at Wrigley Field unless they win the division. Then they possibly could have a three-game series at Wrigley. But that’s it, and they play at a bubble the rest of the way.

The 36-year-old left-hander had a different look in his eye before he came out Wednesday against the Cleveland Indians. Gone were the sellout crowds. There was an emptiness about it–there was never a proper farewell in it.

“I think that’s probably the most frustrating part for me,” Lester said. “Going back to [2014], I didn’t really get to walk off the field like I wanted to at Fenway Park and obviously tonight, didn’t quite go the way I wanted to have an empty stadium. Not really how I envisioned possibly my last start here. h/t Russell Dorsey, Chicago Sun-Times

Lester is in the final year of his six-year, $155 million deal he signed in 2014. Since his rough start, he’s been brilliant–cultivating with a 2016 World Series title. He’s gone 76-43 with the Cubs with a 3.61 ERA. Will they take the chance on Lester with a $25 million option? I doubt it. But they could decline it and see what they can do. In the end, Lester has had a great career with the Cubs.

No one knows what he’ll do–front office, players and fans. But he’s been an excellent signing for Chicago–and the players know that.

“I didn’t think six years would go this fast,” Lester said.

The clubhouse, the team and the organization are honored to have him. Where does he go from here? No one knows. But as a cancer survivor, it pains me to see him leave.

#NVRQT