Ian Happ halting Cubs’ losing streak won't win over Chicago fans just yet

The common defense for Ian Happ has been that by the end of the season, his numbers always match his career averages. It doesn't tell the story, considering Happ has been streaky player over the past few seasons with the Chicago Cubs. He's had some incredible highs that carry the Cubs' offsense, but when things are going bad, they are really bad.

Before Wednesday night, things had been at low point for the Cubs, riding a ten-game losing streak. Name a player in the Cubs' starting lineup, with the exception of Michael Busch, and they were slumping. That was especially true for Happ, who was slashing .130/.259/.239 with a wRC+ of 45 in his last 54 plate appearances before last night. Adding to his struggles, Happ was striking out over 44% of the time during that stretch.

It's why when Happ delivered a two-RBI single in the first inning of yesterday's win, there was a sigh of relief. After documented struggles with runners in scoring position, Happ finally came through with the hit that had eluded the Cubs during their ten-game losing

But what made Wednesday standout for Happ was that his hit in the first inning wasn't the only clutch moment he had. With a tied game in the seventh inning, Happ hit a three-run home run that opened the floodgates for the Cubs' offense and ended the losing streak once and for all.

The winning streak is over, but the Cubs need consistency from Happ

It's an odd thing to say that the Cubs' most consistent offensive players needs to be more consistent, but that is exactly what is needed from Happ. Again, Happ's numbers are there by the end of the season, and there's certainly value in that, but this season has once again proved that Happ can't be the bat a starting lineup relies on the most. Mostly because, there are going to be stretches during the regular season where Happ's offense disappears entirely.

At this stage of his career, that may be unfair to Happ, considering that's never been the type of player he's been. For better or worse, the Cubs are going to live and die with his streaks.

That realization is likely why the Cubs haven't raced to the negotiation table with Happ. After signing Nico Hoerner and Pete Crow-Armstrong to contract extensions at the start of the season, there was some speculation that Happ could be next. Instead, it appears that the Cubs are going to let the season play out for the veteran left fielder.

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