Chicago Cubs All-Star Will Go Into Season Without Contract Extension
According to recent reports, the Chicago Cubs and outfielder Ian Happ could not reach an agreement on a contract extension before Opening Day.
Happ, 28, had a breakout season in 2022, posting a .271/.342/.440 slash line with 17 home runs and 72 RBI. He earned his first All-Star nod and Gold Glove for his play in the outfield.
The former ninth overall pick in the 2015 MLB draft is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, and he will undoubtedly look to cash in. That doesn't bode well for the Cubs, given their recent history with free agents.
However, the organization recently locked up Nico Hoerner to a contract extension, keeping him in a Cubs uniform for a year longer than if they hadn't.
They had hoped to do the same with Happ before the season, with the notion that no contract negotiations would occur during the season.
Happ will look to put himself in a good position to get paid next offseason, whether it be with Chicago or another team.
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