Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Two Key Cubs Players Reveal They Haven’t Been Approached About Extensions

Originally posted on Chicago Cubs on SI
By Michael Brauner | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 6:00 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs are entering a critical season for a few reasons coming off what has been their loudest offseason as a team in some time now.

Beyond the added expectations to win with guys like Alex Bregman and Edward Cabrera in the fold, there are numerous players who are entering their final year of team control on their contracts and are set to hit free agency after 2026.

While much of the headlines surrounding this area have revolved around Nico Hoerner and his potential trade market, it's the outfield that could end up being ravaged a year from now, as both Gold Glover Ian Happ and ascending slugger Seiya Suzuki are impending free agents entering their contract seasons.

During spring training workouts Monday in Mesa, Arizona, both stars were asked about possible extensions, and each revealed that the team has not approached them to discuss it, at least not to this point.

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Cubs haven't tried to extend Happ or Suzuki yet

According to Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times, both players were asked about potential extensions ahead of their walk year, and while it does seem each is very open to returning, both made it very clear that the ball is in the court of the organization.

Happ declared he would be "open to talking about anything," as he has echoed throughout his Chicago career, while Suzuki, through an interpreter, said he wants to perform well enough for the team to award him with a new deal.

Both players like playing in the Windy City, but as is always the case, it will come down to whether or not the financials work for each side. With a lot to figure out this season in the front office, the two outfielders are going to be under a close microscope.

Will the Cubs extend either of the two stars beyond 2026?

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At this juncture of spring training, an extension coming now does not feel likely for Happ or Suzuki, though it's not impossible, and it's not to say one could not be hammered out during the season. Neither outfielder is represented by Scott Boras, making it more likely to find a deal before hitting the open market if it's what both sides want.

With so much young talent in the Chicago organization, though, things likely remain fluid as to whether or not committing to one or both long-term is in the best interest of the Cubs.

Given that the pair was responsible for a collective 6.6 bWAR in 2025, with Suzuki largely at designated hitter, though, their importance cannot be understated. Each will be under a close microscope by fans in Chicago and the Cubs' front office to see if the team should do what it takes to keep them around for the long haul.

This article first appeared on Chicago Cubs on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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