New Cubs pitcher Jon Lester, widely regarded as one of the best starting pitchers in baseball, played the role of closer earlier this month when he finalized a deal to purchase a 7,000-square-foot house in Lakeview. The house cost Lester almost $3.8 million, which is a drop in the bucket considering he'll earn $155 million over the next six seasons. With the hefty price tag, Lester's new 5-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom crib comes with some great features:
Heated sidewalk: Everyone benefits from this: Lester doesn't have to shovel ever, neighbors can walk past his house on a clear pathway and Cubs fans don't have to worry about their ace injuring himself while shoveling heavy snow in the winter. Given the Cubs' luck, it's something that would totally happen. That alone is worth the $3.8 million.
Private gym: Based on what we've heard about the Cubs' training facilities, this might be a step up from what's available for use at Wrigley. Maybe the Cubs can just hold in-season workouts at Lester's pad until they finish building the new facilities at Wrigley.
Custom dressing room: Again, another amenity that's nicer than what's offered at Wrigley Field. Lester's better off changing into his uniform here than in the communal prison–cell size Wrigley locker room.
Backyard/terrace: Given the better amenities and the fact that part of the seating in the Wrigley won't be done until May, the Cubs might as well just hold home games in his backyard. It's a big property; you could fit a baseball diamond in there, right? Just use the decks as stands for fans—it'll be just like sitting in the bleachers. He even has a roof deck.
Den with full bar and wine cellar: For some reason, Lester doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who would hang out at Clark Street bars on the weekends. The spacious den and state-of-the-art wine cellar in his house will be perfect for hosting parties, entertaining guests and unwinding after a frustrating 1-0 loss.
Elevator: When you're rich, you don't walk up and down stairs. Lester knows that.
Look below for photos of Lester's new digs.
Photograph: Courtesy of Redfin
Photograph: Courtesy of Redfin
Photograph: Courtesy of Redfin
Photograph: Courtesy of Redfin
Photograph: Courtesy of Redfin
Photograph: Courtesy of Redfin