Chicago Cubs: 3 possible trade destinations for Ian Happ

Chicago Cubs: 3 trade destinations for Ian Happ – #3: New York Yankees

As will be the trend throughout this entire article, Ian Happ to the Yankees could work for multiple reasons. For one, the Yankees tend to sometimes find themselves lacking lefty bats in their lineup. Happ fills a hole in that department with his switch-hitting eligibility. Being able to plug Happ into the order knowing he can be a guy with a good matchup on any given night is something any team would want more of.

Furthermore, Happ’s multi-positional abilities give teams depth across the outfield and also at second base, as well. Though not the best defender in the league, it’s the ability to fill multiple holes that can get him into the lineup when you’re mixing and matching. Especially as a DH, Happ is the type of player that comes with extreme value if he is swinging a hot bat.

Speaking of that value, Happ is currently entering just his second year of arbitration which means he still has two years of team control before reaching unrestricted free agency in 2024. Currently, Happ is estimated to make an even $8 million this year. That type of salary bodes well for a high payroll team that can use a discount anywhere it can get one. But all of that isn’t even the main reason Happ’s fits on the Yankees.

Both Aaron Judge and Joey Gallo are set to become free agents after this season and are two holes in the outfield that will desperately be needed to be filled. Although there’s a solid chance Judge gets extended rather than walks, Gallo, on the other hand, is not necessarily a lock to stick around after this season. If Happ could be acquired via trade at the deadline, the Yankees wind up with their replacement outfielder for at least another season assuming Gallo’s contract is not renewed.