Chicago Cubs rumors: 5 players that could be on the trade block

4 of 5

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 08: Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on September 08, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Cubs that could be on the trade block: Outfielder Ian Happ

Overall, Ian Happ is arguably the best overall player the Cubs have on their team entering the season… but he may not be around long if the two sides can’t come to an extension agreement early in the season.

In 2022, Happ (who turns 29 in August) played in 158 games and had 42 doubles, 17 home runs, 72 RBI, a slash line of .271/.342/.440, an OPS+ of 119, and an rWAR of 4.4. He was an All-Star and won a Gold Glove Award. In 2020, he was better offensively than he was in 2022 (131 OPS+). He also received MVP votes that year but in 2021, his offense was down a bit (.226 AVG, 103 OPS+).

Happ is in his final season before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. With Rafael Devers and Manny Machado signing extensions with their respective clubs, Happ will likely be the best bat remaining on the free-agent market after Shohei Ohtani.

Given his age and versatility, the Cubs could extend him the qualifying offer to get a draft pick if Happ signs elsewhere but they will look to try to get more than that if they can at the deadline, if they can’t extend him.

Home/Chicago Cubs