Ian Happ Makes Announcement on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 27, 2026 5:02 PM ET

Now in his 10th season with the organization, Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ is the longest tenured member on the active roster.

Happ has been through it all with the Cubs, and this could potentially be his final season with them given he is set to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason.

Happ has continued to be a steady and reliable presence in the lineup. Across 130 games, the 31-year-old veteran has posted a .220 batting average, .327 on-base percentage, .753 OPS, 23 home runs and 61 RBIs.

This marks the fourth straight season that Happ has launched over 20 home runs and driven in 60 or more RBIs.

Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Cubs have an off day Thursday as they prepare for a weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds. Happ used the time off to make an announcement on social media.

He revealed that his foundation would be helping build a brand-new playground for Lydia Home, a non-profit organization that has been serving children and their families in the Chicago area for over a century.

Happ also revealed that every donation to his foundation over $150 would receive an autographed photo mailed directly to the donor, with all proceeds benefiting the cause.

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Happ is one of the most recognizable faces on the Cubs given how long he has spent with the organization, and seeing him use his influence for positive work in the community is a reminder of the kind of player and person he has been throughout his tenure in Chicago.

His focus over the next few weeks will also be on helping the Cubs potentially catch the Milwaukee Brewers and earn a top-two seed in the National League heading into the postseason.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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