Jon Lester didn't get that last chance to once again play postseason hero for the Cubs in Chicago.
The 36-year-old was slated to start for the Cubs if they were able to force a Game 3 in the Wild Card run against the Marlins. But David Ross' team wasn't able to avoid the two-game sweep, dropping a season-ending 2-0 decision to Miami Friday.
Lester has a $25 million team option for 2021 which the Cubs almost certainly won't exercise, paving the way for the former Red Sox' second foray into free agency.
The pitcher explained to WEEI.com in early May how important pitching in 2020 was for his future, looking for the opportunity to put a disappointing 2019 in the rearview mirror.
In that same conversation Lester made note of his willingness to explore a reunion with the Red Sox if the opportunity presented itself.
"I will either be here or be a free agent," he said in the May 2 interview. "Obviously everything is open. I'm open-minded to anything. Absolutely it would be cool to go back and finish my career where it all started. But, I've got a little time before I really have to sit down and weigh that decision, even if it's something where they want me back. Hopefully, I'm still a good enough caliber pitcher that the want of my services will still be out there for people. We'll see."
While Lester did have some positive moments throughout his 12 starts this season -- starting 2020 with five no-hit innings -- he did finish with less-than-optimal 5.16 ERA, with the Cubs going 6-6 in his appearances.
Lester, who signed a six-year, $155 million deal with the Cubs after the 2014 season, has totaled an 80-47 record with a 3.56 ERA during his stint with Chicago. He also, of course, played a major role in his club claiming the 2016 World Series title.
The Cubs came up short in their final game of 2020 in large part because of a starting pitcher who is 14 years younger than Lester, Miami starter Sixto Sanchez. The Marlins rookie shutout Chicago for five innings, paving the way for the visitors' pivotal two-run seventh inning.