Cubs starter John Lackey doesn’t sound like he’s ready to retire after the 2017 season. The 38-year-old said, “At this point, I think I’m more likely to pitch next year than not pitch. But we’ll see at the end of the season,” CSN Chicago’s Patrick Mooney reports.
Lackey is entering the final year of his two-year, $32 million contract. Cubs GM Jed Hoyer said, “Never say never,” when asked about Lackey returning for the 2018 season. “That guy’s been defying Father Time for a while.” Hoyer continued, “It’s not a decision that you make right now. But certainly we love having him. I think his edge, his swagger is fantastic for our team. And we’re certainly glad we signed him last winter.”
Last season, Lackey compiled a 3.35 ERA with a 180/53 K/BB ratio in 188 1/3 innings for the Cubs, helping them dominate the NL Central with a 103-58 record. The club, of course, went on to defeat the Indians in seven games in the World Series to end its 108-year championship drought.
