Discover why Ian Happ's consistent elite defense and overlooked offensive output make him a crucial, undervalued asset for the Cubs' future.
The Chicago Cubs will enter the 2026 season with a handful of players in the final year of their deals. Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Carson Kelly will all be free agents next year.
Most Cubs fans would say that Suzuki and Hoerner are the two biggest names on that list. Both are coming off their best years, and both are key parts of the team’s future.
However, Happ also deserves to be a part of that group. He has been one of the most consistent players on this Cubs roster over the past few years and has emerged as an underrated player for the North Siders.
As a matter of fact, Happ might just be the most underrated player on the team heading into the 2026 season.
At this point in Happ’s career, fans know what to expect from the outfielder. He’ll hit around .240 with over 20 home runs, 80 runs scored, 75 RBI, and maintain a high walk rate while playing Gold Glove defense in left field.
Since 2022, the Pittsburgh native has hit a combined .251 with 86 home runs, 143 doubles, 321 RBI, and 42 stolen bases across 619 games. He has won four straight Gold Gloves during this span and has finished with at least a 3.5 WAR in each of those seasons.
While the offensive consistency might not be there on a weekly basis, Happ always finds a way to finish with around the same numbers each year.
He hit .248 with 21 home runs, 86 runs scored, 84 RBI, and 99 walks across 158 games in 2024. Happ hit .243 with 25 home runs, 89 runs scored, 86 RBI, and 80 walks across 153 games in 2024 and batted .243 with 23 home runs, 87 runs scored, 79 RBI, and 87 walks across 150 games in 2025.
Those are solid numbers for a player who also plays elite defense in left field.
Happ is also one of just four players to hit at least 20 home runs, score at least 80 runs, total at least 75 RBI, and draw at least 80 walks in each of the past three seasons. Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Schwarber, and Juan Soto are the only other players to hit those marks in those three years.
So, Happ deserves more recognition for his play in a Cubs uniform. He really is one of the most underrated players on this team heading into the year. Hopefully, the front office keeps him around after this season.