Chicago Cubs News: Corbin Burnes sounds off, Ian Happ, and more

The Chicago Cubs have been pretty fortunate in recent seasons in regard to the Major League Baseball arbitration process as the team, for the most part, has come away unscathed from the process in terms of the relationship between team and player.

That was not the case for the Milwaukee Brewers and starting pitcher Corbin Burnes this go around. The Brewers won the arbitration case against Burnes and the perennial National League Cy Young award candidate will receive $10.01MM from the team this season instead of his ask of $10.75MM. Burnes reported to Brewers' Spring Training on Thursday and immediately tore into the organization.

""Obviously, it's tough to hear. It's tough to take. They're trying to do what they can to win a hearing,'' Burnes told reporters at spring training in Phoenix. "There's no denying that the relationship is definitely hurt from what [transpired] over the last couple weeks. There's really no way of getting around that.""

- Corbin Burnes via ESPN

Burnes is a free agent after the 2024 season but it would appear that the decision may have already been made in regard to his long-term future with the team.

""You kind of find out your true value,'' Burnes said. "You think you work hard for seven years in the organization, and five years with the big league team, and you get in there and basically they value you much different than what you thought you'd contributed to the organization. "They won it. But when it came down to winning or losing the hearing, it was more than that for me.'' Burnes felt like he was put "in the forefront'' of the reason why the Brewers didn't make the postseason in 2022. "That's something that probably doesn't need to be said,'' said Burnes, who led the National League with 243 strikeouts in compiling a 12-8 record with a 2.94 ERA. "We can go about a hearing without having to do that.''"

- Corbin Burnes via ESPN

The relationship between Burnes and the Brewers will be an interesting follow this season. If the Brewers fail to live up to expectations this season, there certainly could be a case to be made that the team may look to trade their ace at the trade deadline. The Cubs almost certainly will not be a trade partner with the Brewers but there is no doubt that they would have interest once he reaches free agency after 2024.

Ian Happ talks potential contract extension

The relationship between Ian Happ and the Chicago Cubs appears positive despite Happ's looming free-agency status after the season. Happ was asked about an extension while speaking with reporters and admitted that he enjoys the process.

"“All that stuff plays out behind closed doors and different guys go about different ways, but I’ve always been involved in everything that I do,” Happ said. “It’s something that I enjoy doing and have an understanding. I think it’s important.”"

- Ian Happ via Marquee Sports Network

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