MLB coaches give Cubs another reason to keep Ian Happ

Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ was reportedly a trade deadline candidate this season, but other managers and coaches in the league may have given the team reason to keep him.

This season, the Chicago Cubs were expected to be sellers at the trade deadline. Two of their best players that could get a decent return were catcher Willson Contreras and outfielder Ian Happ. The duo hugged during what could have been their final home game at Wrigley Field ahead of the trade deadline. Yet, the Cubs decided to keep both instead once the deadline had passed.

Happ has one more year remaining on his current deal with the Cubs before he hits free agency. It appears that other MLB managers and coaches have given the organization reason to keep him.

On Thursday Rawlings unveiled the finalists for the annual Gold Glove awards, and Happ made the cut for left field in the National League.

Cubs have another reason to keep Ian Happ, thanks to fellow MLB coaches

Happ is a finalist alongside David Peralta of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers.

For those wondering, the Gold Glove winners are selected by managers and six coaches on their staff. Per Rawlings, managers and coaches can not vote for their own players, and they can only vote for players in their respective league.

This is an important point that Rawlings says in regards to how the finalists and winners are selected. Votes are given to those for “overall fielding excellence, and it is not an award based solely on fielding metrics and statistics, nor does it factor in offensive production.”

Happ had a great 2022 season, as he was named an All-Star for the first time in his career. In 158 games, Happ recorded a .271 batting average, a .342 on-base percentage, a .440 slugging percentage, 17 home runs, 72 RBI, and 155 hits.

With Happ under contract for the 2023 season, it will be interesting to see how the Cubs tackle the upcoming Hot Stove season. Plus, will Happ enter the next campaign with a Gold Glove added to his resume?