The Chicago Cubs lost out on David Price to the Boston Red Sox and it looks like a former Red Sox pitcher might be the Cubs' second option.

The Cubs are interested in adding free-agent pitcher John Lackey, according to multiple reports. Yahoo! Sports' Tim Brown says the club is "pretty hot" on Lackey, exploring the possibility of a two- or three-year deal. FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal has heard similar things in regards to the length of a deal, but says others are involved in the chase.

Adding Lackey would make plenty of sense for the Cubs, as the veteran right-hander has ties to the organization. Cubs president Theo Epstein signed Lackey to a free-agent deal when Epstein was the general manager of the Red Sox. Lackey's also good friends with Cubs pitcher Jon Lester.

Lackey had a fine season in 2015 with the St. Louis Cardinals at the 2014 trade deadline. The 36-year-old made 33 starts, going 13-10 with a career-best 2.77 ERA. The Cubs know firsthand how good Lackey was in 2015, too. He made three starts against Chicago, going 2-0 with a 1.25 ERA in 21 2/3 inning, striking out 19.

Signing with the Cubs would allow Lackey to avoid facing Lester, who finally picked up his first career hit last season against his ex-teammate.

Thumbnail photo via Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports Images