Source: Jon Lester Will Be Named Next Cubs HOF Member at CubsCon

Many see the Cubs’ signing of Alex Bregman as being analogous to bringing Jon Lester to Chicago in 2015, especially since both were seen as the kind of leaders who could bring a World Series title to the North Side. Both will be in attendance at this weekend’s Cubs Convention, where CI has been told Lester will be announced as the next inductee into the Cubs Hall of Fame.

Though he only played six seasons in Chicago, Lester left an indelible mark as a consummate professional and quiet leader who also knew how to have a little fun when called for. A good ol’ boy who opted for the simple moniker of LEFTHANDER on his Players’ Weekend jersey years ago, Lester was neither boastful nor flashy. Well, except when he slipped on his World Series rings from his time with the Red Sox and Cubs.

Lester coming to Chicago signaled to the rest of the league that the Cubs were for real and that they were not to be taken lightly. In his first season, he helped the team to 97 wins and an NLCS berth. He followed that up by finishing second in the Cy Young race as the Cubs went wire-to-wire to win the whole damn thing. He wasn’t the greatest pitcher in Cubs history by a long stretch, but his impact was far greater than his stats could possibly measure.

Provided our info is correct, Lester will get one hell of an ovation on Friday night at the Sheraton Grand. Well, he’ll get a huge round of applause regardless, but knowing he’s getting a blue jacket will make the pop that much bigger.