The Chicago Cubs are one of the most storied franchises in baseball history, with a loyal fan base that spans generations.
Ian Happ is a key player on the Cubs’ current roster, and his recent comments expressing a desire to stay with the team have sparked speculation about his future in Chicago.
In this blog post, we will explore Happ’s background as a player, the current state of the Cubs, and the factors that could impact his future with the team.
We’ll also analyze Happ’s recent comments about staying with the Cubs and offer our own thoughts on whether or not he is likely to remain in Chicago.
The Background on Ian Happ
Ian Happ was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft. He made his major league debut in 2017 and quickly became a regular in the Cubs’ lineup.
Happ is a versatile player who has played several positions for the Cubs, including second base, outfield, and designated hitter.
Happ has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, particularly in his rookie season. In 2017, he hit 24 home runs and recorded a .842 OPS, establishing himself as a promising young player.
He also played a key role in the Cubs’ postseason run that year, hitting a home run in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals.
However, Happ has also struggled at times during his career. He had a disappointing 2018 season, batting just .233 with a .761 OPS. In 2019, he bounced back somewhat, hitting 11 home runs and recording a .737 OPS, but he still struggled with consistency at the plate.
In 2020, he had a solid season, hitting 12 home runs and recording a .866 OPS, but it was a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall, Happ has shown flashes of potential and versatility, but he has also struggled with consistency at the plate. His performance will be a key factor in determining his future with the Cubs.
The Current State of the Cubs
The Cubs have had a mixed performance in recent seasons. They won the World Series in 2016, but since then, they have struggled to recapture that level of success.
In 2020, the Cubs finished in third place in the National League Central division with a record of 34-26. However, they were swept in the Wild Card round of the playoffs by the Miami Marlins.
Looking to the future, the Cubs are in the midst of a period of transition. They have a new president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, who is tasked with guiding the team through this transition.
The Cubs have a number of key players who are set to become free agents in the coming years, including Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Anthony Rizzo. It remains to be seen how the Cubs will address these upcoming free agency situations.
In terms of Happ’s role on the team, he figures to be an important player for the Cubs moving forward. He is still just 26 years old and has shown that he can be a productive player at times.
The Cubs have a number of young players who could be part of their future plans, and Happ is one of them. Depending on how the team decides to approach its upcoming free agency situations, Happ could play a significant role in the Cubs’ plans for the future.
Happ’s Comments About Staying With the Cubs
In a recent interview with MLB.com, Happ expressed a desire to remain with the Cubs for the long term. He said, “Chicago’s the place that is home for me and the only thing that I’ve ever known.
I would love to stay and be a part of what’s going on here. It would be weird to think about being in another uniform.”
These comments from Happ are significant because they indicate that he has a strong emotional connection to the Cubs and sees himself as part of the team’s future plans.
By expressing a desire to stay with the Cubs, Happ is sending a message to the team’s management that he is committed to the organization and wants to be a part of its future success.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether the Cubs will feel the same way about Happ. As we noted earlier, the team is in a period of transition and has several key free-agency decisions to make in the coming years.
However, Happ’s comments suggest that he would be willing to work with the team to find a solution that works for everyone.
Overall, Happ’s comments are a positive sign for Cubs fans who are hoping to see him stay with the team.
However, they are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to his future in Chicago. The team’s management will have to weigh a variety of factors when making their decisions about Happ and the rest of the roster.
Factors That Could Impact Happ’s Future With the Cubs
There are several factors that could impact the Cubs’ decision to keep or trade Ian Happ:
Performance
As with any player, Happ’s performance on the field will be a key factor in determining his future with the Cubs. If he continues to struggle with consistency at the plate or in the field, the Cubs may be more inclined to trade him.
Contract Situation
Happ is eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason, which means that his salary will increase. If the Cubs feel that his performance does not justify his salary, they may look to trade him.
Other Outfield Options
The Cubs have several young outfielders who could potentially take over Happ’s role if he is traded. Players like Brennan Davis and Cole Roederer are highly regarded prospects who could make an impact in the major leagues in the near future.
Trade Interest From Other Teams
If other teams express interest in Happ, the Cubs may be more inclined to trade him. Happ is a versatile player who can play several positions, which makes him an attractive trade target for teams looking for depth.
Potential trade partners for Happ could include teams that are looking for outfield help or infield depth. The New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and Seattle Mariners are all teams that could potentially be interested in acquiring Happ.
However, any trade involving Happ would likely depend on the Cubs’ asking price and the level of interest from other teams.
Ian Happ’s Performance with the Cubs
Season | Games Played | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBI | WAR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2017 | 115 | .253 | 24 | 68 | 2.3 |
2018 | 142 | .233 | 15 | 44 | 0.7 |
2019 | 58 | .264 | 11 | 30 | 1.6 |
2020 | 57 | .258 | 12 | 28 | 1.4 |
2021 | 4 | .000 | 0 | 0 | -0.1 |
This table shows Happ’s statistics over his first five seasons with the Cubs. While he had a breakout year in 2017, his performance has been somewhat inconsistent in subsequent seasons.
However, he has shown the ability to hit for power and get on base, and his versatility on defense makes him a valuable asset for the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ian Happ a valuable player for the Cubs?
Yes, Ian Happ is a valuable player for the Cubs. He is a versatile player who can play several positions, including outfield, second base, and third base. He is also a switch-hitter who has shown the ability to hit for power and get on base. While he has struggled with consistency at times, he has also shown flashes of brilliance and has the potential to be a key contributor for the Cubs.
What is the likelihood that the Cubs will trade Ian Happ?
It’s difficult to say what the likelihood is that the Cubs will trade Ian Happ. The team is in a period of transition and has several key free agency decisions to make in the coming years. If the team feels that Happ is not a good fit for their long-term plans or if they receive a trade offer that they can’t refuse, they may look to trade him. However, if the team believes that Happ is a valuable asset who can help them win games, they may choose to keep him.
What would the Cubs need in return for Ian Happ in a trade?
The Cubs would likely need a significant return in any trade involving Ian Happ. Happ is a young, talented player who has shown the ability to be a productive major leaguer. If the Cubs were to trade him, they would likely want to receive a package of prospects or major league-ready players who can help the team both now and in the future. The specific players involved in any trade would depend on the needs and priorities of the Cubs and the other team involved.
Could Ian Happ be a long-term solution for the Cubs at second base?
Ian Happ has played second base in the past and could potentially be a long-term solution for the Cubs at that position. However, the team has several other infield prospects who could also be in the mix, including Nico Hoerner and Ed Howard. The Cubs will need to evaluate their options and determine the best fit for their team moving forward.
To Recap
Ian Happ’s recent comments about his desire to stay with the Cubs indicate that he has a strong emotional connection to the team and sees himself as part of its future plans.
However, there are several factors that could influence the Cubs’ decision to keep or trade Happ, including his performance on the field, his contract situation, the presence of other outfield options, and trade interest from other teams.
Ultimately, the Cubs will need to weigh these factors and make a decision about Happ’s future that is in the best interests of the team.
Cubs fans will no doubt be watching closely to see what happens with Happ and the rest of the roster in the coming months.