Chicago Cubs: Ian Happ powering through first MLB stint

Continuing the tradition of first-year impact, Ian Happ has become a solid player for the Chicago Cubs, adjusting just fine in his first stint in the majors.

Ok so before we start, yes I’m the guy who’s been calling for the Chicago Cubs to trade Ian Happ. But today we’re not talking about Happ the trade chip – we’re talking about Happ, the player.

With the Spring Training he had, most thought that Happ deserved the call up he eventually received in mid-May. After all, he was killing it in the minors.

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His season so far has been great. Slashing .246/.331/.585 with an absurd .339 ISO, he’s been a power threat all season long. Hitting just as many home runs as singles (10, which is unsustainable but impressive nonetheless), his power has been awesome. Speaking of homers, he’s got 10 in 35 games, a Cub record.

While initially called up as an injury replacement, Happ’s production has made it hard for the team to send him back down. Not only has he been one of the best hitters on the team since his call-up, the squad would surely miss his presence, especially since other Cub players aren’t performing as they could be.

The quicker for Happ, the better

This is an excellent thing. The faster Happ gets acclimated, the better, as it opens the door for trades to make the team better. Make no mistake, Happ is slowly making Javy Báez more expendable.

A switch-hitter who can play multiple positions, Happ is ideally suited for a spot on a Joe Maddon team. Happ is the kind of hitter you can stick anywhere in the batting order, starting in at least six games at four different batting spots so far.

While he needs to get on base more (those power numbers won’t be there forever), he’s been impressive. His BB/K rate is way too low (only 0.33), but you can’t blame him too much; after all, he is a rookie.

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Can he continue hitting homers once every three to four games? Probably not. Most of his value thus far has come from his power, so it’s imperative he puts the ball in play more. If he does that he’ll transition into an excellent super-sub, and possibly into a starter if the team makes some changes to the roster.

Would he bring a nice haul in a trade? Of course, but maybe the Cubs should hold onto him after all.