At the trade deadline, it looked like the Chicago Cubs were going to offload both Ian Happ and Willson Contreras.
The two even exchanged a hug prior to a game at Wrigley Field, both of them seemingly under the impression that they’d be traded elsewhere.
At the end of the day though, the Cubs decided to hold onto them both, and it looks like that was the smart decision, at least based on what Happ has done since then.
Happ now has a career high in doubles and is tied for fifth in all of baseball with 42 on the season.
Happ Rewards Cubs
The Cubs probably would’ve gotten a lot for Happ, but ultimately, it appears that hanging onto him was the smart move.
Happ is not a free agent until after the 2023 season.
Contreras is a free agent after this season is over, and all signs point to him leaving Chicago.
In that case, the Cubs could try and extend Happ long term.
Happ made his debut with the Cubs back in 2017 and has been a key contributor ever since then.
His ability to play multiple positions is what sets him apart from others.
But he can also hit and is a catalyst for the Cubs.
With Contreras set to likely walk, Happ could be the guy the Cubs decide to build around for the future.
Being tied for the fifth most doubles in all of baseball certainly helps his case for a nice payday here soon.
In the end, the Cubs made the wise decision in keeping Happ.
The Cubs have a while to decide whether or not they’ll sign him long term.
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