Jon Lester Discusses Possibility of Returning to Boston After 2020 Season

Not many professional athletes can say they've had the luxury of returning to the team where it all started in order to finish their decorated careers. Chicago Cubs left-hander Jon Lester is keen on spinning that narrative in his favor. 

The 36-year-old vet revealed that he would "absolutely" be open to returning to the Boston Red Sox once his contract with Chicago expires after the 2020 season.

"I’m open-minded to anything," Lester told WEEI sports radio. "Absolutely, it would be cool to go back and finish my career where it all started, but I’ve got a little time before I really have to sit down and weigh that decision, even if it’s something where they want me back. Hopefully, I’m still a good enough caliber pitcher that the want of my services will still be out there for people. We’ll see."

The Cubs will have the choice of retaining Lester on a pricey $25 million club option or buying him out for $10 million. The former NLCS MVP signed a six-year, $155 million contract with the franchise back in 2015.

Prior to that, Lester spent nine years with the Red Sox. During that span, he made 241 starts (1,519.1 innings) for the club. He finished 110-63 with a 3.64 ERA and 1,368 strikeouts, winning to World Series titles and making three All-Star teams in addition to throwing a no-hitter in 2008.

Boston is in a predicament in terms of having pitchers locked down beyond the 2021 season. If Lester is let loose by Chicago and doesn't demand a ton of money -- that would be BOLD at his age -- the Red Sox might just be willing to bring him back on a reasonable deal to finish out his career.