When Jon Lester is remembered once his career has come to an end, it will be for his time with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs. He was a part of three World Series winning teams, helping break the Cubs’ curse and establishing himself as a top of the rotation starter.
Although he may no longer be that same pitcher, Lester has been a remarkably consistent workhorse over his career. From 2008 through 2019, he pitched at least 170 innings each season, topping the 200 inning mark eight times.
Jon Lester’s remarkable consistency
But Lester has been more than an innings eater in his career. He has been a remarkably consistent pitcher, but nothing quite encapsulates his steady performance quite like his numbers with the Red Sox and Cubs. He posted a .626 winning percentage and a 3.64 ERA with both teams, underscoring his solid overall career.
Lester had established himself as a top of the rotation arm in Boston. He posted a 110-63 record in his nine seasons with the Red Sox, with that aforementioned 3.64 ERA and a 1.287 WHiP, striking out 1386 batters. He was a three time All Star during his tenure in Boston, throwing a no hitter and becoming an inspiration as he returned after battling testicular cancer.
He found similar success with the Cubs. One of the best free agent signings in franchise history, Lester had that same 3.64 ERA, only with a 77-44 record and a 1.248 WHiP, striking out 940 batters. His steady presence helped the Cubs break their 108 year World Series drought, as they took home the title in 2016.
Ultimately, Lester will be remembered for his ability to win, helping to guide those two franchises to championships. But his legacy should also include his remarkable consistency, which can best be exemplified by his identical showing with the Cubs and Red Sox.
Jon Lester will forever be a hero with the Chicago Cubs and the Red Sox. It is fitting that his performance was so similar in both stops.