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Cubs: 3 trade deadline regrets killing Chicago’s rebuild

By Noah Yingling

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 22: Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on July 22, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 22: Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on July 22, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Ian Happ, Cubs
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 01: Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs stands in the dugout during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on June 01, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /

3) Not trading Ian Happ

There were a number of teams looking at outfielders at the trade deadline and switch-hitters as well. Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ fits both of those descriptions and he has had a great season thus far.

Happ was an All-Star for the first time this season and in 118 games, he has hit .277/.351/.449 with an OPS+ of 123. In addition to receiving that production in either left field or center field, Happ would have provided two extra benefits in a trade.

The first of those benefits is that he is not a free agent until next season. The Cubs would have been able to get a bit more in a trade because of his contract control. A playoff contender would have one less thing to address this coming offseason. With the universal DH, Happ could also be employed in that role as well.

The second benefit is that he has experience playing in the infield too. Happ has played second and third base as recently as last season. While those are not his primary positions or his best, Happ’s versatility would have provided added help.

The Cubs have to get their rebuild in order this season so, perhaps, they will be able to trade Happ. But the ship on trading Contreras has sailed, and Hendricks’ poor performance suggests he’s off the table as well.

Next. 3 Cubs who have earned a larger role in 2023. dark

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