The defending World Series champs worked quick to replace an imminent departure from their title winning squad. The Chicago Cubs reportedly signed veteran outfielder Jon Jay to a one-year, $8 million contract on Tuesday.
Cubs agree to terms with OF Jon Jay on 1-year, $8 million contract.
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) November 29, 2016
Jay, 31, will likely be called on to replace free agent Dexter Fowler as part of a platoon with youngster Albert Almora in center.
A veteran of seven seasons, the left-handed hitting Jay put up a .291 average with two homers, 26 RBI and 26 doubles for the San Diego Padres a season ago. Jay’s best performance came as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals back in 2014 when he hit .303 with a stellar .372 on-base percentage.
Likely to see most of his action against righties, Jay has posted a career .282 average with a .332 BABip facing off with pitchers that toe that side that of the rubber.
He joins an outfield group in Chicago that already consists of Almora, Kyle Schwarber, Ben Zobrist, Jorge Soler, Jason Heyward and Matt Szczur.