Cubs may already have the perfect Ian Happ replacement on their roster

It's become clear the Chicago Cubs probably won't be in a rush to bring back Ian Happ on a new contract this offseason. Since the trade deadline, Happ has essentially become a platoon player, and it speaks to the reality of what his 2026 season has become.

The defense of Happ has always been that he's one of Cubs most consistent producers. By the end of the season, his wRC+ was always going to be around 120, and he would have at least 20 home runs under his belt. Throw in the fact that he's perennial Gold Glove candidate in left field, and it's clear that he had value for the Cubs.

Happ does have 23 home runs this season, and he is positioned for another Gold Glove in left field, but the 2026 season isn't an example of his numbers always returning to form. He enters Tuesday with a wRC+ of 106, and short of a heater over the next few weeks, it would seem unlikely that he pushes that number closer to 120.

The one thing that may work in Happ's favor is that it's a weak free-agent class. No, he won't be in the same tier as Seiya Suzuki, but the weak class could lead to teams overbidding for his services. That would be a mistake one that the Cubs probably will avoid. Especially when you consider that He's going to turn 33 next season.

Cubs have an Ian Happ replacement hiding in plain sight before offseason even begins

Assuming Happ doesn't take a discounted deal to return to the Cubs next season, they will need to find his replacement. Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez certainly will be a part of that conversation, but the other player who should be is Tyrone Taylor.

Happ's demotion to platoon status was due to Taylor's arrival at the deadline. Through 60 plate appearances with the Cubs this season, Taylor is slashing .407/.450/.574 with a wRC+ of 185. He's proven to be a natural fit for what the Cubs needed at the deadline, and now, it's reached the point where he's become an ideal candidate for someone the Cubs need to re-sign as soon as the offseason starts.

Now, it's important to realize that Taylor can't be the only answers, considering most of his success has come against left-handed hitters. But assuming the Cubs will be in the market for a veteran outfielder on a short-term deal, Taylor is an easy way for them to check that box. At the very least, it ensures they don't spend bad money on bringing Happ back.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow