The extension talks between the Chicago Cubs and their All-Star outfielder Ian Happ have come to a standstill. This was confirmed by Happ himself in a chat with reporters on Wednesday.
Happ is set to become a free agent after the 2023 MLB season, and it appears his status isn’t likely to change anytime soon. The two sides tried to come to an agreement in recent months but currently remain too far off for things to take a positive turn.
The 28-year-old player said that there is “nothing really to report” in regard to extension negotiations with the Cubs but reiterated that he is still open to continuing contract talks. However, he also isn’t opposed to playing elsewhere in 2024 if it comes to that.
“You play with other guys that end up other places, and it’s OK,” Happ told reporters. “It’s not the end of your career when you’re not playing where you came up. There definitely will be moments here and there. It’s appreciating that, appreciating getting to play with this group.
The thing that might have complicated the negotiations between the Cubs and Ian Happ is that the player’s value jumped after he delivered a standout campaign in 2022. He played 158 games last season while hitting .271 with 17 homers and 72 RBIs. The Pittsburgh native earned his first career All-Star nod as a result while also picking up the Golden Glove Award.
The Cubs have failed to keep a number of talented players in recent years. They traded three-time All-Star Anthony Rizzo and star shortstop Javier Baez in 2021 after failing to lock them on long-term deals while seeing standout catcher Willson Contreras leave in free agency this offseason.
