Dream Cubs starting lineup for Opening Day in the 2023 season

What would a dream Chicago Cubs starting lineup look like next season?

By Tim Boyle | Nov 6, 2022

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 08: Seiya Suzuki #27 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates with Ian Happ #8 after hitting a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field on September 08, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OHIO – OCTOBER 03: Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs flies out in the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on October 03, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs starting lineup: Ian Happ batting third, LF

Ian Happ gets to stay in this dream Cubs starting lineup. One year away from free agency, we can take it a step further. This offseason features an extension for the lifelong member of the Cubs. He’s staying put for good and the 2022 All-Star takes over as the starting left fielder once again.

The Cubs have stuck with Happ for this long. Another year is realistic even if they do eventually choose to move on from him. He’s coming off of a year where he did a little bit of everything well. He’ll also remain someone they can move around the field in case of injury.

Less optimistic Cubs fans may simply view Happ as an offseason trade candidate. What good is that if you’re going out and trying to build a roster worth competing? You don’t sign a major free agent like Turner or someone else and subtract an important piece like Happ, too.

Deep in this dream, Happ has yet another All-Star season. We see his RBI totals grow immensely because of the two guys hitting in front of him. He’s now a legitimate star and because the Cubs have signed him to an extension already, there’s no worry about losing him.

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