Top 10 Cubs building blocks: No. 6 Ian Happ
Jed Hoyer and the Cubs are heading into a pivotal offseason. After 4 straight years without a trip to the playoffs, Hoyer and Co. are looking to build a roster that can get the franchise back into October. As they work to enhance this group, we are analyzing the Top 10 building blocks already on the Cubs roster. Next up: Ian Happ.
Ian Happ doesn’t necessarily fall into the “star” category around MLB. But his production and consistency are nothing to scoff at.
Check out his stat lines over the last three years:
2022: .271/.342/.440 (.781 OPS), 122 weighted runs created plus, 17 HR, 72 RBI, 72 runs scored, NL Gold Glove Award in left field
2023: .248/.360/.431 (.791 OPS), 120 wRC+, 21 HR, 84 RBI, 86 runs scored, NL Gold Glove Award
2024: .243/.341/.441 (.782 OPS), 122 wRC+, 25 HR, 86 RBI, 89 runs scored, NL Gold Glove Award finalist
All that comes with a player who is in the lineup practically every day — he’s missed just 17 games over the last three years and 34 over the last five. That level of stability is why the Cubs worked to reach a contract extension with him, one that will keep him in Chicago through the 2026 season. That type of offensive output doesn’t grow on trees and makes him a key figure for the Cubs in 2025 and beyond.
Craig Counsell immediately inserted Happ into the leadoff spot on Opening Day. You can argue Pete Crow-Armstrong is the best long-term fit in that role — and he might be — but Happ took the position and thrived in it.
The Cubs were 40-26 in games in which Happ hit first. He’s a prime example of the modern-day leadoff hitter; he gets on base at a good clip, can slug and has plus speed — he swiped 13 bags this past year.
[MORE: Are the Cubs set up to be a playoff team in 2025?]
When the Cubs offense was struggling, Counsell moved Happ down into the middle of the order to jump start things. His consistency was a way for the Cubs to try and garner more production for a team that was in search of it.
All that comes without factoring in what he contributes defensively. He’s a Gold Glove defender in left field and — coupled with Crow-Armstrong in center — gives pitchers some confidence that fly balls will turn into outs and would-be baserunners have to second guess taking an extra base.
Happ was the third-highest paid player on the Cubs in 2024 but sits middle of the pack on this list because he’s only under team control for 2 more seasons. He likely won’t be a difference-making bat that can carry an offense, but what he does is still incredibly valuable to a team.
And those types of players can contribute to wins in other ways, too.
Top 10 Cubs building blocks
1. Pete Crow-Armstrong
2. Justin Steele
3. Shota Imanaga
4. Dansby Swanson
5. Seiya Suzuki
6. Ian Happ
7. Oct. 29
8. Oct. 30
9. Oct. 31
10. Nov. 1
Honorable mentions: Nov. 4