Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs are in the middle of deciding what they want to do ahead of the MLB trade deadline. With a team that appears capable of contending in the National League, the Cubs may need to make another move or two. If they decide to do so, they have some talent to give up in return.
According to Joel Rueter, an MLB analyst for Bleacher Report, outfielder Ian Happ is the most likely player to be traded by the Cubs.
Things have picked up of late via a .327/.435/.635 line and seven extra-base hits in July. That surge, coupled with his track record of production at the MLB level amid the strikeouts and his remaining control through the 2023 season, should give him trade value similar to a top-100 prospect.
Happ played the 2018 season with the Cubs. He ended up playing in 142 games, racking up 15 home runs and 44 RBI's. Those numbers went along with a .233 batting average.
Unfortunately, Happ has not been in the big leagues this season as he continues to work on his game in the minors. He has some work to do at the plate, but has big-time potential. That potential will be exactly what teams are intrigued by and could help the Cubs swing a fairly big trade.
So far this season, Happ has played in 97 games with the Iowa Cubs. He has recorded a .236 batting average to go along with 16 home runs and 52 RBI's. The bad part of that is that he has struck out 112 times.
Obviously, there is still a lot of work to do for Happ. That being said, there are teams that need talent in their lineup and Happ fits that bill. Chicago would likely be very open to dealing him for the right piece.
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