Chicago Cubs: Breaking down potential Ian Happ destinations

 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.

More from Chicago Cubs Rumors

• The latest Cubs rumors on the morning of the trade deadline
• Cubs could give White Sox badly-needed bullpen help
• Cubs trade piece Mychal Givens riding an insane scoreless streak
• Cubs Rumors: The latest on Juan Soto, Ian Happ and Willson Contreras
• Cubs Rumors: Mets, Yankees both have sights set on David Robertson

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.