Cubs could take first step toward Ian Happ reunion with looming qualifying offer decision

One of the first decisions the Chicago Cubs will need to make this offseason is determining if they are going to use the qualifying offer on any of their free agents. In most cases, this is a formality, as teams use to secure some form of compensation before a player departs. Though, as was the case with the Cubs and Shota Imanaga last year, there are instances where a player decides to accept the offer after getting an early feel for their free-agent market.

That could be the outcome for the Cubs and Ian Happ this offseason. While Happ hit over 20 home runs this season and posted a wRC+ over 100 for the fourth consecutive season, it's hard to ignore that he was relegated to platoon status during the final two months of the regular season.

It's why, despite multiple signs of Happ potentially bidding farewell to Cubs fans, the door has been left open to an offseason reunion. Jed Hoyer didn't rule out Happ returning to the Cubs while speaking with reporters last week, and Happ is reportedly open to the idea of taking another team-friendly discount to remain in Chicago.

Ian Happ's clearest path back to the Cubs may run through the qualifying offer

When entertaining the idea of Happ returning to the Cubs, the team will need to be clear about what his role is moving forward. Gone are the days where Happ should be considered a regular in the starting lineup. His struggles against left-handed pitcher has made it clear that the Cubs will need a platoon partner for him in the outfield. Along those lines, the Cubs already have two on the roster, considering the success that both Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez have had against southpaws.

But beyond that, the Cubs have a number of outfield prospects that could be ready as soon as the 2028 season. Josiah Hartshorn and Kane Kepley both finished the season at Double-A Knoxville, and while 2027 Opening Day would be a premature ETA for both, they should be knocking on the door by the end of next season.

The Cubs don't need to view Happ's return as a long-term proposition. It's why the qualifying offer may be the best outcome for both sides. The New York Post's Joel Sherman reports the qualifying offer this year will come in around $23.1 million.

If you're Happ, getting paid excess of $23 million for a single season does appear to be the cap for what his offers will look like this offseason. In fact, considering his struggles to end the season, it may be a tad high. But, for the Cubs, with over $100 million coming off their books, it feels like a worthwhile maneuver. Happ returning via the qualifying offer would be an ideal outcome for both sides, considering it allows Happ another season to restore his value, and the gives the Cubs a bridge to the arrivals of Hartshorn and Kepley.

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