Cubs Introduce Lester, Sign Motte

(Chicago, IL) -- The Chicago Cubs are showing off their new ace. Free-agent pitcher Jon Lester was formally introduced on Monday. He says he's not looking at the Cubs as a rebuilding project.

Lester agreed to a six-year, $155-million contract with the Cubs last week. The 30-year-old left-hander went 16-11 with a 2.46 ERA in 32 starts while splitting last season between the Red Sox and A's. Boston traded Lester to Oakland in July but had been in the mix to try and re-sign him. Lester has a career mark of 116-67 with a 3.58 ERA in nine seasons overall.

Former Cardinals Closer Motte Signs With Cubs

(Chicago, IL) -- A Cardinals reliever is defecting to a division rival. The Cubs have signed former Cardinals closer Jason Motte to a one-year contract worth $4.5-million. The 32-year-old had 42 saves in 2012, but missed all of 2013 after Tommy John surgery. Motte pitched in 29 games last season.