The Chicago Cubs shocked their fanbase last season when they opted to trade three of their core stars and most well-liked players in Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez and Kris Bryant at the MLB trade deadline. In 2022, the Cubs find themselves in a similar position.
They're currently 34-52 with no real shot at contention and a handful of trade chips at their disposal. There's only one logical step forward for the Cubs: sell. But who should they trade? Star catcher Willson Contreras could net a hefty return at the MLB trade deadline. There's also All-Star outfielder Ian Happ.
Happ has already popped up in trade rumors, given his .818 OPS, versatility and the fact that he was named to the National League All-Star team for the first time in his career.
There will undoubtedly be a bevy of contenders lining up to acquire Happ. but who is the best fit for the Cubs talented switch-hitter?
That's what we'll discuss here. Without further ado, here are the two best destinations for Ian Happ at the MLB trade deadline.
*Watch MLB Games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
2 Best Destinations For Ian Happ At MLB Trade Deadline
2. Mariners
The Seattle Mariners raced out of the gate earlier this year, looking like a team set to build off of last year's excellent campaign. The club has since come back down to earth, though they are very much alive in the Wild Card race at the moment, sitting at 45-42.
Seattle hasn't pitched particularly well this season- and pitching will certainly be a need they look to address at the MLB trade deadline. However, Seattle also has a dire need on the offensive side of the ball.
The Mariners need another outfielder. Rookie Julio Rodriguez is cruising to the American League Rookie of the Year award. He has been everything the Mariners could have hoped for.
Other than Rodriguez, the production has been poor. Jesse Winker, who arrived via an offseason trade with the Cincinnati Reds, has posted a disappointing .678 OPS.
Kyle Lewis has only played in four games, as he has been out with a concussion since late-May. Clearly, Seattle needs to make a move. Ian Happ would be an excellent fit on the Mariners roster.
His bat would be a nice boost for the lineup. His ability to bat from both sides would also help balance out the Seattle batting order. It's a no-brainer for the Mariners.
1. Yankees
The Yankees are seemingly going to be linked to nearly every outfielder who hits the open market ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Aaron Judge has been an MVP candidate. Giancarlo Stanton has been seeing the ball very well. However, New York has gotten very little out of the likes of Joey Gallo and Aaron Hicks behind their two stars.
Not only do the Yankees need the production in their lineup, but they could also use an extra outfielder to help keep the likes of Judge, Stanton and Hicks, who has had injury issues, healthy for the long run.
Ian Happ makes too much sense for New York. He's a switch-hitter who would provide some balance to a lineup that was blasted in the past for being too right-handed.
He could also spell 36-year-old Josh Donaldson at third and Gleyber Torres at second. Batting .276 with a .818 OPS, slotting in Happ at the bottom of the Yankee lineup instantly makes it even scarier.
Follow Us
Subscribe