Ian Happ Wins Arbitration Case
Ian Happ won his arbitration case against the team and will be paid $4.1 million this upcoming season. The Cubs had filed for $3.25 million, but after a strong season in 2020, Happ came out on top. The outfielder hit .258 with 12 home runs and 28 RBI this past season and is expected to remain the leadoff hitter once again. Happ is a nice option for managers looking to round out this outfield in upcoming drafts.
Source: ESPN.com
Chicago Cubs outfielder Source: ESPN.com
Ian Happ Collects Three Hits In Win
Ian Happ went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Thursday's 8-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. He added two singles, scored twice, struck out, and drew a walk. The 30-year-old stuffed the stat sheet on Thursday, but like most of his teammates, did most of his damage once Pirates starter Paul Skenes exited the contest. Happ has been a run-scoring machine in 2025, collecting 26 in 32 outings -- one behind fellow outfielder Kyle Tucker for fifth-most in the league. He's traded some of his power for contact this season, bolstering a .279 average with an xBA of .297 (88th percentile). Furthermore, the former first-round pick has dipped his strikeout rate to a solid 16.7%. If those figures hold, they'd easily be career-bests.
Source: ESPN
Chicago Cubs outfielder Source: ESPN
Ian Happ Hits Grand Slam In Massive Day At The Plate
Ian Happ hit a grand slam en route to a massive day at the plate in the Cubs' 13-11 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Happ went three-for-five at the plate with four RBI and two runs. He's now hitting for a .691 OPS on the season. The 30-year-old's big day was much needed as he's performed below his norms to start this season, coming in with a .631 OPS, well below the .782 OPS he posted in 2024. He'll have a tough test keeping this up on Saturday against Arizona's scheduled starter Zac Gallen. Happ is just 3-16 in his career against Gallen. Fantasy managers will still want him in their starting lineups but DFS managers may be able to find better options to plug into their lineups.
Source: MLB.com
Chicago Cubs outfielder Source: MLB.com
Ian Happ Smashes A Home Run On Thursday
Ian Happ delivered two big hits in Thursday night's 10-6 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Happ went 2-for-5 with a double and a home run. He also scored two runs, had three RBI, and a walk. The whole Cubs offense got going in this one after not producing much in their first two regular-season games in Tokyo, Japan. As expected, Happ was batting in the leadoff position, where he was expected to be throughout spring training. Happ's switch-hitting ability should keep him at the top of the order against right-handed and left-handed pitchers. Kyle Tucker is batting behind him, so he should see more pitches to hit and score more runs than in past seasons with the Cubs. Happ is off to a good start to the season, going 4-for-12 in his first three games. He will look to keep the momentum going throughout the weekend in Arizona.
Source: ESPN
Chicago Cubs outfielder Source: ESPN
Ian Happ Could Open The Season In Leadoff Spot
Ian Happ could open the season as the leadoff hitter. Happ saw time as the leadoff man last season but eventually ceded that role to Pete Crow-Armstrong during the second half of the season. Sharma noted that manager Craig Counsel "wants to keep the pressure off" Crow-Armstrong and ensure that he continues to develop. As a result, Happ has a good opportunity to open the season in the top spot in the batting order. Sharma also noted that second baseman Nico Hoerner could also be an option, but he may not be ready for Opening Day due to an elbow injury. Last season, Happ posted a .243/.341/.441 slash line with a career-best 25 home runs and 13 stolen bases. Given his elite on-base skills, Happ could produce a high total of runs while batting in front of Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki.
Source: Sahadev Sharma
According to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, Chicago Cubs outfielder Source: Sahadev Sharma
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