Cubs' Lester tipped to be Opening Day starter

The Chicago Cubs will turn to their top offseason acquisition when the season kicks off.

Manager Joe Maddon all but confirmed Saturday that Jon Lester will take the mound April 5 when the Cubs play the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field.

"I would think he has to be," Maddon told reporters when asked if Lester would be his Opening Day starter.

Before Maddon can make it official, however, the new Cubs manager wants to speak with Lester.

Lester is the obvious pick to start the first game of the season, as he headlines a starting rotation consisting of Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel, Travis Wood and Kyle Hendricks.

The club's new ace is coming off a year where he posted an impressive 2.46 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP in 32 starts with the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics.