Chicago Cubs: Breaking down the team’s top prospects entering the season

Ian Happ – ready to tear up big-league pitching

Ian Happ was selected by the Cubs in the first round of the 2015 draft. A switch-hitter, Happ kicked off his first professional season by posting a .259/.356/.466 slash-line in 67 games between Short-Season A and Single-A. Happ is a good on-base guy, and recorded a .365 mark in 2016 between Single-A Advanced and Double-A.

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Happ was rewarded for his fantastic play by getting an invitation to major league Spring Training. All he did was hit the cover off the baseball en route to posting a .383 average with 23 hits and 21 runs batted in.

At just 22 years old, Happ is showing signs of being ready for the major leagues. He played in 65 games for the Cubs’ Double-A affiliate in 2016, but after posting stellar numbers this spring, Happ was promoted to Triple-A to start the season.

The promotion will test Happ to see if he can hit more advanced pitching at a consistent pace.

Perhaps what makes Happ so appealing to the Cubs is the fact that he can play multiple positions. Throughout his minor league career, Happ has played every outfield position and second base. He has logged the most innings at second base, and looks to be ready to make that his primary position.

Just the fact that Happ can play in the outfield adds value to his stock, and makes him more likely to be called up in the near future.