Cubs Rumors: Ian Happ hometown discount could dictate offseason after viral farewell

Ian Happ has spent his entire professional baseball career with the Chicago Cubs organization after the team drafted him in the first-round in 2015, but Happ will be a free agent after the postseason concludes and seemingly bid farewell to the Wrigley Field faithful in what could have been his final home game as a member of the Cubs.

However, Happ's time with the Cubs might not be coming to a close after all. A source familiar with Happ's thinking told FanSided that they could see the outfielder taking a hometown discount in free agency to remain with the Cubs. As the source pointed out, Happ already signed a team-friendly three-year, $61 million extension to stay with the Cubs back in 2023. This could bode well for a chance at a reunion this offseason.

Ian Happ's tenure with the Cubs may not be coming to an end after all

Bringing back Happ makes sense for both the outfielder and the Cubs. The 32-year-old, who was an All-Star in 2022, has won four straight Gold Glove Awards in left field. In what has been a bit of a down year offensively for Happ, he still managed to post a 2.9 bWAR and smashed 24 home runs in 156 games. Last season, Happ posted a 4.0 bWAR with 23 homers in 150 games. The switch-hitting Happ struggles against lefties, but hits right-handed pitching well (.816 OPS vs. righties this season). Overall, he has shown consistency during his Cubs career.

Happ is also a player who plays everyday. Since 2021, Happ has played in at least 148 games in every season. He has proven to be a highly durable outfielder, who the Cubs can count on to be out there on an everyday basis.

The Cubs could lose star right fielder Seiya Suzuki in free agency this winter. Suzuki is likely to draw a massive deal on the open market, so Happ could be the more realistic option to retain. The Cubs won't want to lose both of their starting corner outfielders in the same offseason. Happ would certainly be the cheaper option as opposed to Suzuki.

It's abundantly clear at this point that Happ doesn't want to leave the Cubs. Happ already signed a three-year extension in '23, and it's certainly possible that the Cubs could re-sign him on another three-year deal once he hits free agency. This would keep him in a Cubs' uniform through his age 35 season.

The Cubs will face the San Diego Padres in the NL Wild Card round this week. The hope is that Happ can help the Cubs make a deep postseason run and increase his chances at being brought back to Chicago next year and beyond.

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