Jon Lester hints that John Lackey will retire after season
Is John Lackey headed for retirement after the season? One teammate seems to think so.
Lackey pitched six innings of two-hit ball and got the win as his Chicago Cubs clinched the NL Central title with a 5-1 victory over the Cardinals on Wednesday.
As the team was celebrating their playoff berth following the game, Jon Lester gave a toast in which he hinted that Lackey would be retiring after the season.
“I’ve learned a lot about this game from this guy, and I’m sure you have to. He’s one of the best teammates and one of the best people I’ve ever got to play with. Tonight is probably his last regular season start. Here’s to one h— of a (expletive) career,” Lester said while toasting his buddy.
Lackey is 38 and will be a free agent after the season. He finishes the 2017 regular season 12-11 with a 4.56 ERA.
After spending the beginning of his career with the Angels, Lackey joined the Red Sox, then the Cardinals, and is now in his second season with the Cubs. He’s won a World Series with three different teams and will be looking to win his fourth career ring this year.