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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 17: Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs walks off the field during the 4th inning at Wrigley Field on June 17, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 17: Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs walks off the field during the 4th inning at Wrigley Field on June 17, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/Getty Images)Chase Agnello-Dean/Getty Images

Cubs Trade Rumors: 'Almost Everyone Wants' Ian Happ Entering 2022 MLB Deadline

Joseph Zucker
Jul 26, 2022

Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ is a prized commodity as the Aug. 2 MLB trade deadline quickly approaches.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Tuesday that "almost everyone wants Happ," and the 27-year-old is expected to be moved within the next week.

At 39-57, the Cubs are 11.5 games off the pace for the final wild-card spot in the National League. Happ has one more year of arbitration before he can become a free agent in 2024.

"None of those conversations have happened," he told reporters about negotiations over a new deal. "Just not at this point."

It's not hard to see why many around the league believe he'll be in a different uniform in a short time.

Happ has already set a career high for WAR (2.3), per FanGraphs. He's batting .282 with a .445 slugging percentage and a .353 wOBA and 127 wRC+.

The switch-hitter has raked when batting from the right side. He's slugging .513 and has a .920 OPS against left-handed pitching, according to Baseball Reference. That's more than 100 points higher than his OPS against right-handers (.780).

Happ's ability to play all three outfield positions or even move into the infieldโ€”he has logged 101 appearances at second and third baseโ€”only adds to his value.

Assuming he's moved, the 2022 All-Star should have a big impact on a contender over the stretch run.