3 Cubs players whose no-trade clauses could complicate the offseason

1. Cubs veteran outfielder Ian Happ insisted on a full no-trade clause

Left fielder Ian Happ has two more years left on his deal after signing a contract extension before the 2023 season. His full no-trade clause means that Happ will be the everyday left fielder next year and for good reason. This has been one of the best seasons of Happ's career, where he entered the final series of the year already having tied his career-high in home runs with 25, leading the team in RBI (86), runs (89) and walks (78).

Happ has also taken home Gold Glove awards in back-to-back seasons and will likely compete for a third this year. He has been the complete package and emerged as a leader in the clubhouse, being the longest-tenured active Cub aside from Kyle Hendricks.

Taking all of this into consideration, the team would be foolish to move on from Happ even if they could. Unless they want to eat $40 million over the next two years for nothing, Happ is staying with the Cubs because of his no-trade clause. This reality gives the veteran peace of mind and stability, but it makes the team less likely to add any high-value free agents this offseason.

Even pondering Happ not being with the Cubs is more of a testament to where the team is than his value. The Cubs are starved for sluggers and although Happ has made strides in that department, he is nowhere near the very best power hitters in the game. The fact that Happ has a no-trade clause is great for him and he deserves the stability, but it does limit the team's roster flexibility.