Inside The Cubs

Happ Shares Honest Thoughts on Chicago Cubs and Potential Extension

Chicago Cubs star left field Ian Happ recently gave his honest opinion on his upcoming free agency and the potential for an extension.
Kade Kistner|
Happ Shares Honest Thoughts on Chicago Cubs and Potential Extension
Happ Shares Honest Thoughts on Chicago Cubs and Potential Extension

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Chicago Cubs

Ian Happ is the face of the Chicago Cubs. His emergence as one of the most consistent left fielders in the National League coupled with his innate ability to lead a clubhouse has made him into one of the hottest commodities when he reaches the MLB free agent market next winter.

If he reaches free agency.

Happ is an excellent extension candidate. At 28 years old Happ is entering his prime. He put together a career year in 2022 and is slated to improve even further this coming season. It's an exciting prospect for a new, re-vamped Cubs team.

Inking Happ to an extension now would send the right message to the clubhouse and fans that the front office, ownership, and coaching staff are serious about this next phase in the franchise. 

But what about Happ's feelings on the matter?

Speaking with Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Happ was honest about his thoughts on the club, an extension, and his future. 

“It would be weird to wear another jersey,” says Happ, whom the Cubs selected with the ninth overall draft pick back in 2015. “I would love to stay here and I would love to be a part of the next great Cubs team, but we’ll see.”

Happ wants to stay in Chicago, so why not make it happen? The Cubs may have options to replace Happ in free agency next season, but none come with the level of production and franchise familiarity that the left fielder brings.

The good news is that the Cubs don't operate with a timeline for extensions like most teams. So a deal could get done before or anytime during the upcoming season. 

Happ belongs in Chicago.

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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