Chicago Cubs may already have their Happ, Suzuki replacement in mind, per insider

The Chicago Cubs are staring down the possibility of losing their two corner outfielders—Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki—to free agency this offseason.

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The losses would impact in different ways. Happ would be missed because of his Gold Glove-level defense in left field and his veteran leadership as the longest tenured Cub. Right fielder Suzuki’s loss, meanwhile, would be felt in the area of offense, where his production has been an engine motoring the team since signing on in 2022.

It’s possible that the team could re-sign one of their corner outfielders, but highly unlikely that they’d retain both.

The good news for the Cubs is that they may already have their outfield solution on the roster.

Cubs eyeing Ramirez as Happ, Suzuki replacement?

Chicago Cubs, Pedro Ramirez, Kevin Alcantara, Craig Counsell — Mar 17, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Pedro Ramirez against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Pedro Ramirez has exceeded expectations in his first major league run since being called up in late May as a replacement for the injured Matt Shaw.

The 22-year-old is currently slashing .295/.350/.438 with 2 home runs and 15 RBIs in 124 plate appearances. He’s also excelled in the field, where’s played third base, second base and had brief cameo appearances at first base and left field.

It’s the left field part that has fans and analysts wondering aloud whether he could slide into the picture if/when the Cubs loss Happ and Suzuki. Apparently, even the team itself is eyeing that possibility.

Per Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic:

“The Cubs have been so impressed with Ramírez that they’re already starting to wonder how he fits into their future. With Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki heading into free agency this winter, the Cubs are getting comfortable with the idea of giving Ramírez an everyday role in a corner outfield spot.”

When asked about that possibility, Ramirez played things the right way and deferred to an ‘I’ll do whatever it takes to help the team’ stance.

“I don’t know what the plans are for that position,” Ramirez said via interpreter. “What I do know is I feel like I can take on whatever role is needed. Whatever it is they need, I can help and I’ll do my absolute best.”

Big value in Pedro Ramirez

Pedro Ramirez, Chicago Cubs — May 24, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Pedro Ramirez (75) hits an RBI-double against the Houston Astros during the second inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

There was talk that the young talent would be moved by the Cubs at the trade deadline as the team searched for pitching to fortify their playoff-bound roster. Obviously, though, Chicago saw Ramirez’s on-field value as greater than his trade bait value.

“I’m really thankful to still be part of this team,” he declared. “I didn’t think much about (the trade deadline) because I don’t have any say in that situation. I was just focusing on my game and being able to do the job that’s expected of me out there.”

The Cubs have been high on Ramirez since they got their extended first-hand look at him playing alongside major league-level talent. The patient, disciplined switch-hitting speedster with the solid bat and top-notch glove was there back then and he brought those attributes up with him to the bigs.

Now, apparently, the Cubs are looking for ways to not only keep him on the big league team, but to also give him a greater role.

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