Jon Lester
The Washington Nationals signed Lester to a one-year, $10 million deal precisely because they respected the maturity he brings to contention and post-seasons situations.
Now 37, Lester has obviously lost something off his heater. He’s 0-2 in a half dozen starts that have lasted just 29 innings.
Beyond that, the Nats also are struggling. They’re 21-29 through 50 games and their offense – led by Juan Soto – is misfiring.
But, as Nats fans know, their team has been in this spot before. In 2019 they were two games worse, 19-31, through 50 games, only to rally and win the World Series.
Lester also has a habit of picking things up. He’s only an 18-19 pitcher with a 3.58 ERA in April, climbing to 3.82 in May. But get him to June and his ERA drops to 3.12 with a 38-14 career record. His second best month is September, with a 3.19 ERA and 44-19 record.
Beyond that, he has a 2.51 post-season ERA with three World Series appearances: Boston in 2007 and 2013 and the Cubs in 2016. All three netted rings. Lester was 4-1 in those three World Series.
If the Nats can merely get an old-timer like Lester to the World Series, anything could happen.