Fansided

3 Chicago Cubs MVP candidates, and 1 player who should be benched

By Mark Powell

Cody Bellinger (24) acknowledges the crowd during a video tribute prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Cody Bellinger (24) acknowledges the crowd during a video tribute prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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MLB Power Rankings, Ian Happ, Cubs
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 08: Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs takes the field during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on September 08, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Cubs MVP candidate: Ian Happ

Dansby Swanson would have been on this list, but his lack of run production will cost him with some voters even should he continue hitting at a high rate. Ian Happ, however, is in a good spot.

Happ signed a contract extension to remain in Chicago just a few days ago. The 28-year-old was shopped on the trading block as recently as the last deadline, but the Cubs opted to hold onto him. After making the All-Star game just last season, Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins don’t regret their decision.

So far this season, Happ is slashing .321/.426/.536 with three home runs and double-digit RBIs. Happ is likely to make the All-Star team yet again should he keep up those numbers, especially if Chicago continues to surprise fans across the sport.

Happ’s positive start was fueled by contract extension talks, and has since only gotten better.

“I’m just super excited to be here,” Happ said. “This is a place I’ve called home since 2015. The city, the fan base, has meant so much to me throughout my career, and the fact that I get to continue to be here, continue to be a Cub and represent the organization, means the world to me.”

If the Cubs are lucky, he won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

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