Chicago Cubs: 3 possible trade destinations for Ian Happ

Chicago Cubs: 3 trade destinations for Ian Happ – #2: Boston Red Sox

In similar fashion, Happ to the Boston Red Sox makes sense due to the number of outfielders set to depart at season’s end. Enrique (Kike) Hernandez is set to earn $8 million, matching Happ’s projection for this season, before parting ways via free agency next winter. Hernandez, who is an outfield/infield hybrid in his own right, has been an average hitter most of his career but his ability to play multiple positions makes him very comparable to someone like Happ.

Also set to depart the Red Sox is Rob Refsnyder – who won’t be a huge loss. However, what will be interesting to see what happens is that of the $12.0M mutual option between the Red Sox and Jackie Bradley Jr. The veteran has been a good outfielder but slashes just .230/.311/.394 for his career and to be completely honest I’m not sure why the Red Sox took that contract via trade with the Milwaukee Brewers to reacquire him in the first place. He is owed $9.5 million for 2022.

Regardless, so many things really do come into play with a player like Happ. Though he doesn’t hit .300, he can provide good pop in the order and as many have seen, when he’s hot, he is red-hot and hard to stop. What adds value to an Ian Happ trade is not just his switch-hitting ability to give you 25-30 homers but the versatility he has defensively that gives different teams the ability to utilize him as they wish, giving guys regular rest throughout the season.