Cubs fans may have missed Ian Happ's revealing Reds comments before free agency

Ian Happ is somewhat of a tweener when talking about the free agents the Chicago Cubs have this offseason. Considering he was demoted to becoming a platoon player by the end of the season, and the weak free-agent class, it makes sense if he's elsewhere in 2027. Though, considering his down year and fondness for Chicago, it's also possible he's open to a discount to remain with the Cubs.

The Cubs were in the middle of a playoff push in September, so these comments may have been missed, but when they were in Cincinnati, Happ caught up with Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Wittenmyer previously covered the Cubs, so he's aware of Happ's roots, and along those lines, talked to the veteran outfielder about what the Reds have become.

Considering the timing of the interview, Happ stopped short of saying that he would be interested in signing with the Reds, but with the offseason nearing, it's worth pointing out what he had to say about what the NL Central rival has going for them.

“How that impacts anything in the future, I don’t know,” Happ said. “But it is a special place. And I think that they have a good group over there on both sides of the baseball, some really good young players. “Plus they have Willie Harris and Tito (manager Terry Francona), and that coaching staff is great.”

Cubs may face competition from the Reds for Ian Happ this offseason

Happ has become a Reds killer over the course of his career, so naturally, with him becoming a free agent, there's talk amongst Reds fans about him potentially being a fit for what the team is looking for this offseason.

If you're Happ, you certainly would be interested in signing with Reds. In 69 career games at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, Happ is slashing .290/.394/.614 with 19 home runs. By far the most home runs Happ has anywhere other than Wrigley Field throughout his career.

While Happ is a fit for the Reds on the paper, reality may point to that being a tough connection to make. The Reds haven't been a team to set at the top of a free agent's market throughout their history, and is Happ is taking a discounted deal, chances are it only would be with the Cubs. Not to mention, the Cubs could attach the qualifying offer to Happ's free agency, suppressing his market even further.

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