Chicago Cubs made the right call – one that will save Ian Happ’s career

Chicago Cubs: Schwarber benefitted; can Happ do the same?

With Happ’s personal frustration stemming from this decision, this will undoubtedly be a make-or-break moment for his development. But if he needs inspiration, he need not look any further than his teammate Kyle Schwarber for reassurance.

Schwarber was in an identical scenario and has come out of it for the better. Chicago drafted the young slugger with the fourth overall pick back in 2014 out of Indiana University. Schwarber burst onto the scene and helped script the storybook 2016 World Series club by returning from a season-ending injury to bat .412 in the Fall Classic. For a guy to spend an entire season recovering and take his first major league at-bats in the World Series is special. To bat .412 in those at-bats is indescribable.

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With the god-like status Schwarber seemed to attain, he followed it up by batting sub-.200 to start the 2017 campaign, earning himself a trip to Triple-A. He was humbled, went to work and came back stronger than ever. He finished the 2017 season batting above .200 with 30 home runs, transformed himself for 2018, and improved his average to .238. Still a work in progress, but the demotion to Iowa was the beginning of a process for Schwarber and it has put him on the right track to success. Young stars are going to struggle, and it’s important for the organization to hold them accountable and take the steps needed to improve their development.

Sure, the Cubs are really going to need Ian Happ this season. He has the potential to be a huge contributor to a potent offense. However, the team simply cannot afford the on-and-off hitting he seems to bring, especially down the stretch.

This kid has given us great moments out in center and at the plate, but more consistency is essential and he hasn’t found that yet at the big league level. Happ has a great opportunity ahead of him. Get to work in Iowa, focus on the things he can control (shortening the length of his swing), and dedicate himself to coming back a better and more consistent ballplayer.

If Happ can commit himself to his development, he’s going to help this Chicago Cubs team reach new heights in 2019. With his work ethic and character, I have no doubt he will do just that.