The love for Jon Lester continues to pour in.
Lester announced his retirement after 16 seasons this week, and the Cubs released a statement Thursday congratulating the lefty on a "remarkable career" and his contributions to the organization.
"The Cubs want to congratulate Jon Lester on a remarkable career that saw him reach 200 victories with a no-hitter, five All-Star nods and three World Series rings," the statement reads. "His signing heading into the 2015 season was a turning point for our organization.
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"Jon was integral to our 2016 World Series title team and helped to bring a culture of winning to the club. He was widely respected as a great teammate on and off the field and impacted so many with his community involvement through his charitable foundation, NVRQT. We wish all the best for Jon and his family."
Lester signed a six-year deal with the Cubs in December 2014, a pivotal moment in the franchise's rebuild. He was an influential part of their success over the next six seasons as the Cubs made five postseason appearances — including three straight NLCS trips that included their 2016 championship.
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The Cubs declined his 2021 option after the 2020 season, and Lester spent his final season between the Nationals and Cardinals, returning to Wrigley Field twice as a visitor.