![items.[0].image.alt](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e3b1356/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3137x1765+0+163/resize/1280x720!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fewscripps.brightspotcdn.com%2Fae%2Ffd%2F1f3473a34e61bd45d42daa1683b3%2Flester.jpg)
Jon Lester is now a free agent in the MLB, after a $25 million option was declined by the Chicago Cubs. If he does leave the team, he left fans a huge parting gift: $47,000 in beer.
On Friday, before the official word the team declined Lester’s option, the pitcher tweeted he wanted to thank his fans.
“Regardless of what’s next I want to thank the fans for the past 6 years. So this weekend (10.30-11.1) Im (sic) buying y’all my favorite beer,” Lester tweeted, then added four bars in the Chicago area. “Your 1st @MillerLite is on me. Just tell em to put it on #JonsTab,” Lester continued.
Regardless of what's next I want to thank the fans for the past 6 years. So this weekend (10.30-11.1) Im buying y’all my favorite beer. Make a res at @Hopsmithchicago @LodgeTavern @ButchMcGuires @ShenannigansHOB & your 1st @MillerLite is on me. Just tell em to put it on #JonsTab
— Jon Lester (@JLester34) October 30, 2020
Fans came out, and put more than 4,800 Miller Lite’s on Jon’s tab at the four bars over the weekend.
The receipts totaled more than $31,000 on beer, and Lester tipped 34 percent, in a nod to his jersey number. The total he spent was more than $47,000.
Thanks for coming out this weekend y’all! Yesterday we added 1,372 @MillerLites to my tab, bringing our grand total to 4,838. Shout out to all the bars, their staff, and those cheers-ing from afar! Whether this is goodbye or see you next year, I love you Chicago! #JonsTab pic.twitter.com/OTEIO2gOjc
— Jon Lester (@JLester34) November 2, 2020
Lester told ESPN 1000 in Chicago he hopes there is a chance he can return to the team at a lesser deal. He has publicly said he wants to win his 200th career win as a Cub, he is just seven away.
"Since Day 1 it's been awesome to be a part of," Lester told ESPN. "They have made my family feel like family and accepted us from the beginning. It's been a fun ride, and hopefully the ride is not over."
