Who will save the day for each MLB team?

Chicago Cubs: Ian Happ

The switch-hitting 23-year-old made his much-anticipated debut last season, and he raked for the Chicago Cubs in a somewhat limited role. The Cubs drafted him out of the University of Cincinnati in 2015 with the ninth overall pick. He immediately tore it up in the minors and earned a call-up in May of last season.

Happ spent some time in center field and at second base fro the Cubs in 2017. He’s somewhat reminiscent of a younger Ben Zobrist. Chicago may continue to to advantage of his defensive versatility and use him as a utility man.

If his rookie season was his floor at the plate, then he’s already a solid major league player. But he looks like he’s going to get even better. Last year, he hit .253 while slugging an impressive .514. He’s got plenty of pop, as he clubbed 24 home runs in just 115 games.

There’s been some speculation that the Cubs might trade Happ. With Javier Baez and Addison Russell as their primary middle infielders, and Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora eyeing regular outfield playing time, things seem to be a bit crowded in Chicago. But the Cubs don’t really have any glaring needs at the moment. The addition of Yu Darvish gives them one of the better rotations in the league. They also dramatically improved their bullpen through free agency.

All of this means the Cubs will have to find a way to utilize Happ’s high-impact bat. And they will.