Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lester popped into town to make his debut as a Marquee Sports Network analyst, though he’s not looking for a career in broadcasting.
“Just something to do,” Lester said Friday, adding he would be “popping in, popping out” if the Cubs like his work.
The five-time All-Star, who spent $31,000 buying beers for Chicagoans after he left the team in 2020, was well-received in his Wrigley return. After two days as a studio analyst Friday and Saturday, Lester will join Pat Hughes in the TV booth for Sunday’s series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Lester said he spoke to old friend and former teammate and manager David Ross earlier in the week, adding they speak periodically. What did Lester think of the Cubs moving on from Ross after the 2023 season with a year left on his contract?
“Obviously when it’s your buddy, it’s a little harder to see what’s going on,” Lester said. “But when you kind of step back and look at it (from) a business aspect, stuff like that happens all the time. You just have to think the Cubs are doing what’s in their best interest. But when it’s one of your buddies, it’s like, ‘Well, that sucks.’”
The shocking firing of Ross last fall made some wonder if he ever would return to Wrigley Field. Lester said he doesn’t foresee an estrangement between Ross and the organization, which already is preparing a celebration in two years for the 10th anniversary of the 2016 championship.
“I don’t think so,” Lester said. “I think he understands what was going on and understands the move. As far as the 10-year (reunion), I imagine he’ll probably be back here in baseball shortly. I know when I talked to him around New Year’s time, he said he was going to take this year off and see where next year goes. He’s the kind of guy I believe will stay around baseball in some capacity.”
Lester is enjoying retirement in Georgia and said he mostly is driving his three kids to all of their activities.
“I run an Uber service without the stars,” he joked. “(The kids) don’t give me any positive comments. It’s nice to come back and do this and get out of that and use it as a little vacation. The family is coming up in a couple days, so that’ll be good.”
Lester becomes eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame on the 2027 ballot. While he’s no sure thing, a random poll of voters at this week’s All-Star Game suggested he should get in at some point, if not on the first ballot. He has a 200-117 career record, three championship rings with the Boston Red Sox and Cubs and a 4-1 record and 1.77 ERA in six World Series appearances.
He said he doesn’t think about his chances.
“If I get that phone call I’ll be the happiest person in the world,” Lester said. “But I’m not counting the days down until that day by any means. My big thing is I don’t want to get my hopes up and be disappointed. Take it day by day and hopefully my name is on (the ballot) and there are a few people that decide to check that box and see how it goes from there.”
