Jon Lester is now the most accomplished left-handed pitcher in Cubs history (by one measure, at least).
Joe Maddon announced to reporters in Arizona Monday Lester would be the Cubs' Opening Day starter once again in 2019, the fourth time he's held that honor in five years with the Cubs. That's the most all-time by a lefty in the 143-year history of the Cubs franchise:
Even with Yu Darvish showcasing the "best stuff of his life," Kyle Hendricks coming off another very good season and Cole Hamels back for a full season, Lester was the obvious choice for the Cubs' Opening Day starter, so Monday's announcement is more formality than anything else.
Lester has been worth every penny of the $155 million deal he signed with the Cubs prior to the 2015 season. He was an All-Star last year and tied for the National League lead in wins (18), overcoming a tough start to the second half to finish strong and head into the offseason with a strong hold on the Cubs' "ace" status.
The wily veteran was incredible for the Cubs in the Wild-Card game last fall, allowing just 1 run in 6 innings, improving his career postseason ERA to 2.51 with a 1.019 WHIP in 154 innings.
Lester, 35, is undoubtedly hoping for better results when he gets on the ball in Game 1 this spring when the Cubs open the year in Texas March 28. In his first three Opening Day starts for the Cubs (2015, 2017-18), he's 0-1 with a 4.97 ERA and 2.29 WHIP, allowing 22 hits, 7 runs and 7 walks in 12.2 innings.
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However, Lester will have a few things working in his favor this year.
Since the game is in an American League park, Lester won't have to worry about hitting at all and can get back to his AL roots. He'll also be facing a Rangers team that lost 95 games last year and isn't expected to be a contender this year.
Texas finished 2018 in the bottom third in just about every category against left-handed pitchers and lost two of their best right-handed bats over the winter — Adrian Beltre (retired) and Robinson Chirinos (free agent; signed with Houston). Almost all of the Rangers' top hitters are lefties (Shin-Soo Choo, Rougned Odor, Nomar Mazara, Joey Gallo).
That should bode well for Lester (though lefties hit him harder than righties in 2018).
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