Cubs could lose Ian Happ to Mariners or Reds after familiar coaching staff hires

By refusing to give Ian Happ a qualifying offer, the Chicago Cubs lessened the chances of an offseason reunion with the veteran outfielder. Any team can now sign Happ without being forced to give up draft-pick compensation, and while his market could be impacted by his 2026 struggles, the lack of established hitters in free agency could work in his favor.

One team that has emerged as a potential suitor for Happ is the Seattle Mariners. MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports that Seattle has already expressed interest in the former Cubs left fielder, and there are clear connections that can't be ignored.

The obvious connection is Jason Kanzler, who the Mariners just hired away from the Cubs to become their next manager. Kanzler had been serving as the Cubs' farm director, so at the very least, it's someone who has direct knowledge of what makes Happ successful. Morosi also noted that the Mariners want to improve their defense moving forward, and Happ, of course, would check that box.

As long as were talking about teams with connections to Happ, we should also mentioned that the Cincinnati Reds hired Anthony Iapoce as their hitting coach earlier this week. Iapoce was the Cubs' hitting coach from 2019 through 2021. Now, it should be noted that Happ's best years with the Cubs came after Iapoce's time with the team, but with the Reds a likely a suitor, the connection is something that's been noticed in Cincinnati.

Despite his struggles, Ian Happ could have a healthy free-agent market

For all the talk of Happ potentially being open to taking a a discount to remain in Chicago, his market could suggest otherwise. The Cubs likely would have had interest in a reunion with Happ on a short-term deal with the premise that he would be a platoon player moving forward, but with teams like the Mariners or Reds, the veteran would likely have a larger role.

While Happ has loved his time in Chicago, the end to the 2026 season felt like a fitting farewell for each side. Not to mention, assuming there's not a trade, the Cubs will have to find a way to thread the needle between contending and shifting the roster in a younger direction. Letting Happ walk while clearing more of a runway for Pedro Ramirez and Matt Shaw would be one way to accomplish that. Though, it would leave the Cubs at risk of their offense regressing next season.

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