Happ Reacts To Contract Extension To Remain With Cubs
Ian Happ isn’t going anywhere.
Except maybe to another All-Star Game and the postseason.
The popular left fielder signed a three-year contract extension through 2026 with the Chicago Cubs worth a reported $61 million.
“I'm just super excited to be here,” Happ told reporters Wednesday. “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."
Instead of becoming a free agent after the season, Happ was able to come to terms with the only place he wanted to be. The deal didn’t get finalized before the season which had to be disconcerting.
But it is indeed done.
“I'd love to do another deal on top of this at some point,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said. “But I’m thrilled to keep him here for three additional years. I’m glad it got across the finish line.”
Happ was a first round pick by the Cubs in the 2015 draft and he watched the franchise win the World Series a year later.
Happ has since developed every season ad is now a bonafide All-Star.
“He's a big part of our leadership here,” Cubs manager David Ross said. “He's a big part of what I think we're going to become as an organization, as a team. There's no secret he's a really good player, but to be able to lock in a contract, and him wanting to be here, I think stands out.”
Last season, Happ slashed .271/.342/.440. He hit 17 home runs, 42 doubles and knocked in 72 runs.
Through the Cubs' first 11 games this season, Happ has slashed .282/.429/.462 with one home run, four doubles, six RBI, seven runs scored and 10 walks.
This is just the beginning for what’s expected to be a marvelous career.
“I think the rewarding thing is just how far, in my opinion, Ian's come,” Ross said. “And the hard work he's put in and making himself such a well-rounded player.”
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