The 2021 Chicago Cubs infamously sold almost ten players at the deadline.
Franchise greats such as Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, and Kris Bryant were traded for prospects.
All of them contributed to the 2016 World Series run.
The franchise also traded Jake Marisnick, Craig Kimbrel, Andrew Chafin, and Ryan Tepera.
The 2022 Cubs appear to be headed to a similar path.
With a mediocre 39-57 record that is one of the worst in the National League, they will likely get rid of assets with expiring contracts once again instead of risking losing them for nothing.
That’s why catcher Willson Contreras was so emotional in recent interviews, and that could also help explain Ian Happ‘s recent behavior.
“Looked like Ian Happ took a moment to acknowledge the fans in the LF bleachers after he ran out for warmups before the first inning,” Cubs reporter Tim Stebbins tweeted.
Looked like Ian Happ took a moment to acknowledge the fans in the LF bleachers after he ran out for warmups before the first inning.
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) July 26, 2022
Is Happ Preparing For A Trade?
It didn’t look like a normal salute, either: the player took off his hat and held it to his chest, as a way of saying thanks for everything.
It’s looking increasingly likely that Happ could be wearing a different uniform within the next week.
Unlike Contreras, however, he is under control for a season-and-a-half: he is under contract with the Cubs for 2023, too.
That means the Cubs have some extra leverage against potential suitors: they can tell them they could keep the player and try to compete again in 2023, something they can’t do with Contreras since he will be a free agent after the 2022 World Series.
In any case, Happ has drawn significant trade interest recently.
He is hitting .282/.367/.445 with nine homers, 43 runs scored, 44 RBI, and even six stolen bases.
He would fit in nicely in just about every team.
Will the Cubs agree to trade him, though?
We will find out in a matter of days.
NEXT: Cubs Insider Details A Tough Day For Willson Contreras