Jon Lester’s run with the Chicago Cubs might not be over just yet.
The Cubs on Friday officially declined the veteran pitcher’s option for the 2021 season, which makes him a free agent.
Lester signed the seven-year deal prior to the 2015 season and has been one of Chicago’s more reliable pitchers in that run, helping guide the Cubs to a World Series victory in 2016.
But despite declining his $25 million option for next season, the Cubs have not ruled out trying to bring him back, according the MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
Next year will be Lester’s age-37 season. He went 3-3 with a 5.16 ERA last season, and posted a 77-44 record with a 3.64 ERA in his six years with Chicago.
