The Chicago Cubs had a disappointing end to their 2026 regular season. The team saw lots of highs, yet they were unable to win a game in the MLB playoffs, getting swept by the San Diego Padres on the road at Petco Park.
It will be another lengthy offseason for the Cubs front office, which will have a decision to make on a ton of impending free agents. The two biggest are definitely in the outfield with both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki in need of new contracts, and Chicago likely not having the payroll flexibility to sign both.
For Happ, his exit would be an emotional one, given he has spent his entire 10-year career in Chicago, the longest-tenured player on the club.
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Happ had another productive season at the plate, posting a .218 batting average, .326 on-base percentage, .738 OPS, 24 home runs and 68 RBIs across 156 games.
He was durable and played nearly every day, which is the value he provides along with his solid defense. He has also been an All-Star before too.
However, he is also getting up there in age. Next year he will be 33 and hitters tend to start declining around this time. Happ made a radio appearance on Tuesday and addressed where things currently stand in negotiations between him and the Cubs. He said he has no answers right now on his future and has not spoken with the front office.
However, he fully plans on talking and sitting down before he leaves Chicago to go back home for the offseason, via Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network.
The Cubs are going to have to make some tough calls in hopes of building a better roster, and pitching is certainly the biggest issue, which could make it tough to bring Happ back. However, Happ has meant a lot to the organization and is a fan favorite and clubhouse leader.
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