Jon Lester To Thank Cubs Fans By Buying First Round Of Beer At Four Bars

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester has come up with a unique way to thank fans as he approaches free agency.

The left-hander is planning to buy the first Miller Lite beer at four Chicago taverns this weekend for Cubs fans.

“Regardless of what’s next I want to thank the fans for the past 6 years,” Lester tweeted Friday morning. “So this weekend (10.30-11.1) I’m buying y’all my favorite beer.”

Lester, 36, said he will be at Hopsmith, The Lodge, butch McGuire's and She-nannigan's, all of which are located on Division Street.

“Just tell em to put it on #JonsTab,” Lester added.

Chicago bars and restaurants are currently under new restrictions due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Chicago Tribune reports. Governor J.B. Pritzker has ordered restaurants and bars to stay closed to indoor dining and indoor gatherings are limited to 25 people or 25% capacity.

Bars and restaurants are also mandated to close before 11:00 p.m.

The Cubs are reportedly expected to give Lester a $10 million buyout, placing him into free agency, the Chicago Tribune reports. Lester was the ace on the Cubs' 2016 World Series championship team, as well as three National League Central Division champions and five playoff teams.

The 36-year-old went 77-44 with a 3.64 ERA during six seasons with the Cubs after previously spending his first 8.5 seasons with the Boston Red Sox and half a season with the Oakland Athletics in 2014.

Lester currently owns a 193-11 career record with a 3.60 ERA and 2,397 strikeouts in 2,598.2 innings pitched.