Chicago Cubs: Late in winter, will Jon Jay take a discount to return?

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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 09: Jon Jay #30 of the Chicago Cubs catches a fly ball in the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals during game three of the National League Division Series at Wrigley Field on October 9, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Jon Jay remains among free agent outfielders still searching for a home. With Spring Training nearing, is a discounted return to the Chicago Cubs in the cards?

In what undoubtedly ranks as one of the slowest-moving offseason in baseball history, the Chicago Cubs still have moves to make. Somehow, a spot remains open in the starting rotation. The club could look for outside help both behind the dish and in the outfield before reporting to Mesa next month.

Enter free agent outfielder Jon Jay.

Jay, who turns 33 in March, is among what seems like an endless list of outfielders without a 2018 home. Lorenzo Cain, Carlos Gomez, Rajai Davis, Jarrod Dyson, Peter Bourjos and Austin Jackson headline that group along with Jay, who enjoyed a stellar 2017 campaign on the North Side.

Yes, everyone on that list would like to land a multi-year deal that takes the toward the final years of their career. Given how the market has played out, though, I wouldn’t expect that to come to fruition for many of these names, Jay included.

If the Cubs decide they want a proven veteran in the outfield, it’s hard to imagine someone fitting better into the mix than this professional hitter.

PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 11: Jon Jay #30 of the Chicago Cubs walks through the dugout before the start of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 11, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs got a bargain last year – will they again?

Jay came in to replace Dexter Fowler, who signed a massive five-year, $82.5 million deal with the rival St. Louis Cardinals following the Cubs’ World Series championship 2016 season.

On a one-year, $8 million deal, the former University of Miami standout did everything asked of him and then some. Appearing in 141 games for Joe Maddon, Jay slashed .296/.374/.375. His .374 on-base percentage ranked as the best mark of his career, making him a perfect fit in a still young-and-developing Cubs lineup.

At Wrigley Field, specifically, Jay raked. His OPS was 170 points higher at home than on the road – thanks largely in-part to a staggering .419 OBP. His presence in the lineup on a near-daily basis became more important when it became clear Ben Zobrist was not his normal self, swinging more often and first pitches and not working counts as he did in the past.

Defensively, he regularly appeared in all three outfield spots. Partnering with Albert Almora, he served not only as a platoon partner but a mentor. He perfectly fits the mold of versatility so important to Maddon and, no matter where you put him, he gave you a minimum of league-average defense.

Given his offensive contributions, I’ll take that any day of the week.

CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 14: Jon Jay #30 of the Chicago Cubs slides into third base safely with an RBI triple as Eugenio Suarez #7 of the Cincinnati Reds makes a late tag during the fourth inning on August 14, 2017 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs will be lucky to land Jay again in 2018

Last offseason, Jay needed to restock his value. With his performance in Chicago, he did just that. He excelled on both sides of the ball and will likely see interest from several teams.

Here are the Cubs’ biggest competition for the left-handed-swinging outfielder.

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San Francisco Giants: San Francisco is hoping to recapture that even-year magic the Cubs stole away. They traded for both Evan Longoria and Andrew McCutchen already. But they still need a center fielder. Dyson seems like a likely fit. Cain may well be too expensive for their tastes. Who does that leave? Someone like Jay. He’s a veteran who knows how to win and could help get the Giants back to October in 2018.
Baltimore Orioles: It seems like the O’s bargain shop in free agency each year. Because, Lord knows, they’re unwilling to pay for the big dogs. As great as Jay was – and as much as I love him – he doesn’t qualify as a ‘big dog.’

This is where it gets interesting

Really, these are the two teams that make a lot of sense. Seattle might dip their toes in the water once the market breaks, but Dyson could be a better fit given he finished off last season at Safeco with the Mariners.

Until the market at least starts to move, it’s more than difficult to peg where these guys will wind up. But that very situation makes a potential return to Chicago more feasible than it was even a few weeks ago.

ST. LOUIS, MO – SEPTEMBER 27: Jon Jay #30 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates after winning the National League Central title against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on September 27, 2017 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs win – and that means something

Jon Jay has always played for winner. Well, minus the year he spent in San Diego. He knows how to lead and play his role in these types of clubhouses. It’s hard to imagine him going somewhere to finish his career without the chance of winning.

With the Cardinals, he served as a fourth outfielder-type for years. More importantly, he did so at a high level and without complaint. That’s hard to find in today’s game and teams know that. Which teams give him the best chance to win year-in and year-out?

It’s hard to say any club offers better odds than the Chicago Cubs. They have a young core under control for years to come. If they add another top-tier starter, they can make the case for one of the best rotations in all of baseball, let alone the National League.

Next: All aboard the Heyward for Cubs MVP train

His return makes a lot of sense – for both sides. But in the end, it’s going to come down to money. More important, it’ll come down to the price tag that comes with the Cubs’ last starting pitcher acquisition of the winter. Then, the dominoes can (and will) fall.

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