Breaking down the numbers of Lester’s contract

Jon Lester’s new deal with the Cubs puts him in the upper echelon among free-agent pitchers. According to reports, Lester’s six-year, $155 million contract with the Cubs includes a signing bonus of $30 million to be paid over the life of the contract and a full no-trade clause. Lester will receive either a $10 million buyout after the 2020 season or a $25 million vesting option for the ’21 season that could bring the total take to $170 million.