The Chicago Cubs have multiple notable pending free agents heading into offseason, and longtime outfielder Ian Happ is among them. The Cubs would likely like to keep Happ around, as he has been an important part of their roster for a decade. While this is the case, the four-time Gold Glove winner is now being linked to one of the Cubs' NL Central rivals.
In a recent article for The Athletic, Jim Bowden named the Cincinnati Reds as a potential suitor for Happ in free agency this offseason. With the Reds needing help in their outfield, it makes sense that Bowden is viewing them as a top fit for Happ. The Reds want to be more competitive in 2027, and adding an All-Star talent like Happ could help things on that front for the NL Central club.
If the Reds signed Happ, he could work well in the top half of their batting order. He would also have the potential to be a very good veteran for the Reds' younger players to have around as they look to take that next step. In 156 games this season with the Cubs, Happ posted 24 home runs and 68 RBI.
With this, Happ has now hit at least 21 home runs in five out of his last six seasons. With numbers like these, the Cubs should be looking to re-sign him. However, if they are unable to, the Reds could be a team to keep an eye on.
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