3 Chicago Cubs extension candidates not named Willson Contreras

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 04: Nico Hoerner #2 and Frank Schwindel #18 of the Chicago Cubs are congratulated by Patrick Wisdom #16 following Hoerner's two run home run during the second inning of a game against the Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field on May 04, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /

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2. Ian Happ

Happ had 24 home runs as a rookie in 2017, and he has generally been an above-average hitter since (with an OPS+ of 100 as that baseline). He registered down ballot NL MVP votes in the truncated 2020 season, as he hit 12 home runs in 57 games, then followed with career-high 25 home runs in 2021.

Happ has been a slightly different hitter so far in 2022, hitting .275 entering Friday (.226 last year, .243 for his big league career) with more ground ball and fewer fly balls. That may change as the weather starts to warm, and he has been a slightly better second half hitter in his career.

Happ has settled in to left field for the Cubs this year, and fairly solidly if you buy into deeper defensive metrics. But he has multi-position versatility, with time at all three outfield spots, second base, third base and first base in his career. However the Cubs may fill the roster going forward, Happ should have a place somewhere (DH included).

Happ is making $6.85 million this year, and he has one year of arbitration eligibility left in 2023 before he hits free agency. In his age-28 season, extending him beyond next year should be a no-brainer for the Cubs and it won’t break the bank if Happ wants to stay.

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