Chicago Cubs: Breaking down potential Ian Happ destinations

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One potential Chicago Cubs’ player that could be traded is Ian Happ. We look at some of the possible destinations he could land–including the chance he stays in Chicago.

It’s the MLB offseason, which means it’s time for outlandish rumors about trades. However, there is one Chicago Cubs player that may be on the trading block, and it’s a guy who’s become a fan favorite amongst Cubs fans for his strong power swing and his ability to play all around the field.

The Cubs’ Ian Happ has been brought up in trade rumors left and right recently, it seems. It’s well documented that the Cubs are always looking to upgrade their starting pitching, and they have reached the point where they can trade from the Major League roster to upgrade the roster if need be. But where could Happ possibly end up, should the Cubs decide to indeed pull the trigger, and make a trade?

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Miami Marlins

This one is a bit of a long shot, but should still be mentioned, because Theo and Co have pulled off some long shot trades. (See: Jose Quintana and Addison Russell.) The Cubs may be looking to upgrade in the outfield, while the Marlins are looking to do a salary dump. Christian Yelich is the ideal Cubs target.

The reason this is a long shot is that Yelich is one of the cheaper Marlins, who may stay around, but if the Marlins get an offer they like, then we will see. Yelich has been a 4.5 WAR player the past two seasons, all while having inflated power numbers and playing sparkling defense. Not only is Yelich still young, but he is also signed through 2021+ and option year, with an AAV of $7 million per year. Teams would be foolish not to ask about his availability.

Dee Gordon is another name that has popped up, but he doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for the Cubs. Javier Baez and Ben Zobrist can play second base, along with Addison Russell. There is no spot for Dee, but he would fill the leadoff void. Plus, Gordon will be 30 during the 2018 season, coming on the back end of his career now. If the Marlins decide to trade either of these guys, Ian Happ makes the most sense as a starting point in negotiations, should the Cubs come calling.

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Baltimore Orioles

Oh my, Happ’s power in the sandbox that is Camden Yards. It may become a reality, soon. The Cubs have reportedly talked to the Orioles about Zach Britton, according to Bruce Levine. There is more on that, right here. The Orioles floated Britton during the trade deadline last year, too, but ultimately, owner Peter Angelos decided to hang on to him. The last two seasons, the Cubs have traded for a dynamite, lockdown closer, in Aroldis Chapman, and then Wade Davis. Should they go this route again, Britton makes sense, but the Cubs don’t need him, and they should be wary.

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Britton had inflated numbers in 2017. A 2.89 ERA, with a 3.40 FIP, and a 0.6 WAR. This was his worst season as a reliever, also muddled in the middle of his season was injuries. Britton would also be a rental, and that might sway the Cubs away.

However, if the Cubs can get a controlled starter out of the deal, like say, a Kevin Gausman, then there may be something to it. Again, for somebody like Gausman or Britton, Happ should be the first player mentioned.

Tampa Bay Rays

This is probably the most logical and realistic destination. The Cubs and Rays have linked for years, mostly on guys like Chris Archer and Alex Cobb. Cobb is now a free agent and has been connected to the Cubs ever since free agency started, especially now with Jim Hickey in Chicago. Cobb would love to reunite with Maddon and Hickey, where it all began for him. If the Cubs wanted to rekindle these talks again for Chris Archer, then Happ may have to be included. Otherwise, there’s no chance of a deal.

Archer is going to be 30, which isn’t too old for a pitcher, and he’s coming off a 4.6 WAR season, with a 3.40 FIP, right around his career average. What really entices the Cubs is the 11.15 K/9 and just 2.69 BB/9. He doesn’t walk many hitters, and that was a valid concern for the Cubs front office heading into the offseason. Happ is an excellent start to a rebuild, should the Rays go that way this winter.

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Chicago Cubs

It is also very plausible that Happ stays put in Chicago. He fits the profile of a Joe Maddon specific player, he can play multiple positions, has athleticism, and power. In just his second full professional season, Happ had the 2nd most home runs in the entire Cubs organization, with 33 between Triple-A and the majors.

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Kyle Schwarber led the organization with 34 between Triple-A and the majors. Plus, with the Cubs’ set up the way that they are, it’s easy to question which position Happ is going to get everyday at-bats, and there may not be one. It could lead to the end of Happ’s time in Chicago. But if it does, he should bring in a good return.

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