Chicago Cubs linked to dynamic Ian Happ replacement

Ian Happ has been patrolling the Chicago Cubs‘ outfield since 2017, and while the results have mostly been positive, some Cubs fans just can’t help feel that he has been a bit of a disappointment.

A former first-round pick, Happ was a highly-touted prospect who got off to a tremendous start in his big-league career, smashing 24 home runs over 413 plate appearances during his rookie campaign. He seemed primed to develop into one of the game’s best hitters, and a parade of All-Star appearances seemed inevitable.

Unfortunately, that has not ended up being the case.

Happ is still good, but he isn’t quite what many expected. He owns a career .245/.342/.447 slash line and has never slugged more than 25 homers in a single season. He topped out at 86 RBI in 2024, and he has made just one trip to the All-Star Game.

Yes, the 31-year-old has won four straight Gold Gloves, but he has never quite measured up offensively. Now, he is slated to hit free agency over the winter, and there is a good chance that Chicago lets him walk.

But with whom will the Cubs replace him? Well, Ryan Phillips of Sports Illustrated seems to believe the Cubbies may find their answer in the MLB Draft.

Chicago Cubs linked to explosive Ian Happ replacement

Chicago will select 23rd overall in the draft, which begins on July 11. With that pick, Phillips has the Cubs snatching Louisville outfielder Zion Rose.

“The Cubs are in on the college hitting crop, and Rose fits this spot in the draft,” Phillips wrote. “He was excellent this year for Louisville, and while his home run numbers dropped, he slugged a career-best .646. Rose finished the 2026 campaign hitting .417 with a 1.137 OPS, with six home runs (down from 13 in 2025) and 24 stolen bases in 27 tries. He’s well-built at 6’1″ and 200 pounds, and his right-handed swing carries plenty of pop despite the diminished home run numbers. He has plus speed and a good arm, but he’s a poor fielder and likely ticketed for left field at the next level.”

Rose is a tremendous athlete, so the fact that he struggles defensively is odd. But he possesses a very impressive bat and he is a terrific baserunner, so he could actually represent an eventual upgrade from Happ in those areas.

The question is whether or not the Cubs — who strongly value defense — will be able to look past his questionable glove in the outfield.

It’s important to remember that both Happ and Seiya Suzuki are free agents after the season, so Chicago will have two outfield slots to fill. Of course, the Cubs could also always slide Matt Shaw into a full-time role in right field, so that’s also something to consider.

But perhaps Rose will factor heavily into Chicago’s plans at some point within the next couple of years. The Windy City certainly loves that last name, too.

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