Chicago Cubs should hold on to Ian Happ for now
By David Hill
The Chicago Cubs have been adamant that they are not going to enter a rebuild. Despite trading away anyone that was due to reach free agency at the previous deadline, the Cubs have done their best to build a contending roster for the upcoming season. Wade Miley was acquired on waivers, and the rotation was further addressed by signing Marcus Stroman. Yan Gomes was added to provide a strong backup at catcher, as well as insurance in case of an eventual trade for Wilson Contreras.
Even with those moves, there is still the belief that the Cubs could trade away some of their pieces. Ian Happ has been one of those players who has been mentioned as potentially being on the trade block although he has two years of team control left.
Chicago Cubs should not trade Ian Happ
Happ is not quite a three true outcomes player, but he has been close. While he strikes out in 30.8% of his plate appearances, he also draws a walk 12% of the time. His power has stood out as he has reached double digits in homers in every year he has been in the majors, with a career best 25 home runs last year. Add in his ability to play anywhere in the outfield, as well as second and third, and Happ is a valuable piece for any franchise.
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That is the case for the Cubs as well. They have plenty of holes in the lineup after trading away those players and may not be able to fill them all via free agency or with prospects. Keeping Happ would serve as a buffer in case they are unable to find enough pieces to fill out the lineup.
Likewise, Happ would still have plenty of value at the trade deadline should the Cubs once again find themselves out of the playoff chase. There are going to be plenty of moves once the transaction freeze is lifted when the lockout ends, potentially leaving over players overlooked.
With both of those scenarios as the case, it makes the most sense for the Cubs to retain Happ, at least for now. He is the perfect safeguard in case one of their younger players do not pan out or if they cannot find an option for an open spot in the lineup. At worst, he is a strong super utility player who can appear at five different positions a week while adding another powerful bat to the lineup.
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There are rumors that the Chicago Cubs could look to trade Ian Happ. A trade just would not make sense at this point in time.