Cubs pass on Ian Happ qualifying offer as reunion gets more complicated

While the Chicago Cubs extended a qualifying offer to Seiya Suzuki, they have avoided extending one to Ian Happ. Considering the offer was priced at $23.15 million, it would have been an expensive venture for Happ, considering he was demoted to platoon status during the final two months of the regular season.

Last month, there was a report from our own Pat Ragazzo that Happ would be open to returning to the Cubs on a discounted deal. Happ's previous three-year deal with the Cubs carried an AAV of $20.3 million.

With Josiah Hartshorn and Kane Kepley at least a year away from being ready, it does make sense for the Cubs to have some interest in bringing Happ back on a short-term deal. Of course, the fact they avoided extending him the qualifying offer could signal that they were worried he would accept it. To that end, it would seem that the Cubs likely wouldn't pursue a deal for Happ that would see him getting paid more than $23 million per season.

Cubs' Ian Happ qualifying offer decision puts reunion in doubt

During the final two months of the 2026 season, Happ slashed .214/.316/.390 with a wRC+ of 98. After being a fixture in the Cubs' starting lineup over the past few years, Happ was relegated to starting only against right-handed pitchers.

Again, the door isn't entirely closed for Happ returning to Chicago. But, the Cubs have certainly picked a lane. If Happ is going to return, it's going to be on their terms. Otherwise, it seems that the Cubs are comfortable with the idea of losing Happ.

Along those lines, Happ just became a more appealing candidate outfielder-needy teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, and Cincinnati Reds. Each of those three teams could have interest in Happ, but likely would have avoided him if he had the qualifying offer attached to his profile. Other teams that could have interest are the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Yankees.

As for the Cubs' plan in the outfield now that it's more likely that the 2027 season will go on without Happ and Suzuki on the roster, it would be safe to say they will be in the market for a stopgap veteran. It's a thin free-agent class for outfielders, so the Cubs could explore the trade market. Someone like Steven Kwan would be an ideal target, but the Cleveland Guardians may not be entertaining trade talks at the moment.

Otherwise, next season will see a lot more of Pedro Ramirez and Matt Shaw in the outfield.

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