Chicago Cubs News: Ian Happ provides clarity on 2022 MLB Trade Deadline

Chicago Cubs v Los Angeles Dodgers
Chicago Cubs v Los Angeles Dodgers / Kevork Djansezian/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit

Had Chicago Cubs All-Star left fielder Ian Happ been asked at the 2022 Major League Baseball trade deadline if he felt that he would be with the team at the start of the 2023 season, chances are he would have said no. Happ, along with then-teammate, Willson Contreras, were believed to be among the top trade chips available at last season's deadline.

Happ joined Jason Kipnis' podcast, Foul Territory, on Tuesday and expanded upon his belief that his days wearing a Cubs' uniform were number as the team approached the trade deadline last season.

While Happ does not specify what New York team, chances are it was the New York Mets. The belief is that the Mets and Cubs were involved in trade discussions that included both Happ and Contreras. Given how the 2021 trade between the two teams backfired for the Mets as the Cubs netted top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong in exchange for shortstop Javy Baez and right-handed pitcher Trevor Williams, New York had expressed a hesitancy to be fleeced by the Cubs once more.

Outside of the Mets, the other likely suitor for Happ would have been the Toronto Blue Jays. With a need in the outfield, the switch-hitting Happ would have provided more potency for the Blue Jays lineup. Ultimately, the Blue Jays acquired Whit Merrifield from the Kansas City Royals.

At the time, the Braves were not mentioned as a potential suitor for Happ.

Happ, of course, was not traded at the deadline and opened the 2023 season with the Cubs. Last week, Happ inked a three-year contract extension with the Cubs worth $61MM. As it turns out, Happ, for the time being, marks the last instance where the Cubs will enter a deadline with an expectation of one of their cornerstones being traded. With Happ signed through the 2026 season along with fellow members of the core in second baseman Nico Hoerner, right fielder Seiya Suzuki and shortstop Dansby Swanson, it is very likely that the Cubs will enter the 2023 trade deadline with the expectation of adding.

More Chicago Cubs News

manual