The Chicago Cubs are declining a 25-million-dollar option on veteran pitcher Jon Lester. The team announced the decision Friday. MLB Network reports Lester will receive a 10-million-dollar buyout, but the Cubs will also consider trying to re-sign him.
The 36-year-old southpaw went 3-and-3 with a 5.16 ERA in 12 starts this season. The three-time World Series champion has 193 career wins over his 16-year career with the Cubs, Oakland and Boston.
The Detroit Tigers announced the hiring today of AJ Hinch as their new manager. Hinch has been out of baseball this season after his suspension and subsequent firing by the Houston Astros in connection with the 2017 sign stealing scandal. Hinch replaces Ron Gardenhire who retired at the end of the 2020 season.
The MLB Owners Meetings and Winter Meetings in Texas are being canceled. The league says both meetings will now be held remotely. The owners meetings were previously scheduled for November 17th through 19th in Arlington, Texas. The winter meetings were set for December 7th through 10th in Dallas.