Cubs: 3 potential trade destinations for a resurgent Ian Happ

Cubs: 3 potential Ian Happ landing spots – #3: New York Yankees

Landing first on the list we look at a New York team that is absolutely thriving in the AL East and will be looking to buy at the trade deadline if they stay anywhere near as hot as they’ve been. With a record of 36-15, the Yankees can play .500 ball the next two months and still boast a top-tier record. One thing the Yankees lack outside of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, however, is outfield depth.

Currently, Joey Gallo is batting just .177 with only 5 homers and 56 strikeouts. Elsewhere on the roster, Aaron Hicks is batting .200 and Marwin Gonzalez is batting .208. In other words, there are holes to fill. That trio, combined, have just six long-balls and 17 RBI. Judge alone has 18 homers and 38 RBI. Clearly, the Yankees outfield needs some help if want to bring a World Series title back to the Bronx for the first time since 2009.

Speaking of old friends, could Anthony Rizzo play a part in the recruitment of Happ should the Yankees decide to make such a move? Happ’s contract plays a big part in his value at this moment. It is unclear what the Yankees would be willing to give up to acquire him. I suppose it will depend on how Happ plays over the next two months. If he can maintain the consistency we’ve seen so far in 2022, Happ may net a solid return.

We should keep in mind, though, that – aside from a potential trade of Willson Contreras – we’re not going to be talking about the same level of prospects the Cubs netted last summer. The guys going out the door just aren’t the same caliber.