Ian Happ trade rumors: Ranking 4 teams connected with Cubs star

1. The Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves are the team that makes the most sense for Cubs outfielder Ian Happ. They have a stranglehold on a playoff spot as they have a 62-41, which is good enough for the first NL Wild Card spot. They’re 6.5 games ahead of Philadelphia for the final spot.

They have a few areas that they need to address on their team but the biggest is to address their outfield, much like last offseason. A healthy Ronald Acuña Jr. helps and rookie Michael Harris II has helped but Adam Duvall is done for the season and DH/OF Marcell Ozuna has struggled at the plate.

Like the Blue Jays, the Braves have a right-handed heavy lineup as first baseman Matt Olson and Harris II are the only left-handed hitters in their everyday lineup. Happ, being a switch-hitter, would balance the lineup a bit more.

Overall, their outfielders have a wRC+ of 88, which is 24th in baseball. Adding Happ would address their outfield need for this year and help for next year as well, with Happ being under control through next season.