The Chicago Cubs have dipped their toes into the free agency pool for the first time as they've signed a former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder on Tuesday night.

That outfielder is Jon Jay, who inked a one-year deal worth $8 million with the Cubs.

Jay, who spent the first six seasons of his career with the Cardinals, played with the San Diego Padres in the 2016 season, hitting a pair of home runs and driving in 26 RBI in 90 games played. He also batted .291 and had an OPS of .728 for the Friars in his lone season with the club.

The signing of Jay likely spells the end of the Dexter Fowler era in Chicago, with Jay providing a good platoon partner for Albert Almora in center field if the Cubs choose to go in that direction.

Prevailing wisdom in the industry is that Fowler could command anywhere from $18-22 million per season, and that is likely out of Chicago's price range with guys like Jake Arrieta approaching free agency and the need for another bullpen arm or two still on the table.