Apr 5, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (right) celebrates with center fielder Ian Happ (8) after hitting a two-run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
With Andrew Benintendi traded to the New York Yankees, it looks like Ian Happ of the Chicago Cubs will be the next outfielder dealt.
Happ is a lifelong Cub to this point, so his trade is sure to be emotional for baseball fans on the north side of Chicago.
The 27-year-old has been open about his past with the Cubs. While he knows it’s time to go, especially considering he made the All-Star team this season, it’s an emotional exit.
“I grew up in Chicago. I was 20 years old when I got drafted by the Cubs. I got there in 2017, have been in the city and made so many friends and connections with people. I really do view it as home,” Happ told the Chicago Sun-Times. “That’s what’s so tough with the deadline: You get traded, the next day you’re out. You don’t get to go back. You don’t get to say goodbye to people. You’re gone. You’re working the next day for somebody else.”
MLB rumors: Where might Cubs trade Ian Happ?
A logical fit for Happ is the Toronto Blue Jays. Benintendi was a target of theirs, before his past refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine complicated matters.
Happ is slashing .282/.366/.446 on the season in Chicago. He has a year of arbitration left on his contract in 2023, so he is not a rental.
The Cubs have flirted with the idea of pairing him with one of their relief pitchers, namely David Robertson, to land a better return. The Blue Jays need pitching — could Toronto be a match?