Chicago Cubs could lose free-agent star to division rival

The Chicago Cubs have several big decisions looming once this 2026 season officially comes to a wrap.

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With more than half of the current active roster eligible for free agency, the team will have to decide who to keep and who to let go. They can’t—and won’t—hold on to everyone, but they also can’t go out and fill so many roster spots, despite the huge chunk of money coming off the books.

They also have to navigate the reality that the coming season—because of the anticipated labor dispute—may be cut drastically short.

Arguably, the Cubs’ biggest dilemma is in the outfield, where left fielder Ian Happ and right fielder Seiya Suzuki will both be free agency-eligible. The consensus thought right now is that the front office may work on keeping at least one of their corner outfielders, but that keeping both is highly unlikely. Most believe that Suzuki, because of his bigger bat and an improved defensive game, will be Chicago’s choice of the two.

What to do with Ian Happ

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The switch-hitting Happ, however, also has a lot of positives working for him. Aside from being a four-time Gold Glove winner, he averages about 20 home runs per season and is a league-average hitter. His steady dependability makes him a solid plug-and-play, low-maintenance everyday player. His off-the-field leadership qualities make him a clubhouse positive.

And all of this is why the Cubs will have competition for Happ’s services, just as they will have competition for Suzuki’s.

One ideal non-Cubs fit is with the Cincinnati Reds.

Competition from the Reds

Happ has strong ties with Cincinnati, established from his time at the University of Cincinnati and he’s maintained a relationship with the city ever since.

“I’ve really enjoyed Cincinnati. Going to school there, I have fond memories of the city and the place,” Happ recently told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “There’s people in that town that I really like. It’s a special place to me for a lot of reasons.

“How that impacts anything in the future, I don’t know, but it is a special place. And I think that they have a good group over there on both sides of the baseball, some really good young players.

“Plus they have Willie Harris and Tito (manager Terry Francona), and that coaching staff is great.”

“Historically, I have done well at Great American,” Happ added, after stating that he wouldn’t be talking about what might be happening after this season. “It’s a great place to play. Yeah, I’ve always enjoyed going back there.”

Happ has, indeed, excelled in Cincinnati, as noted by Cincinnati Examiner writer Gordon Wittenmyer:

“He’s hit more home runs (18) with a higher slugging percentage (.608) and higher OPS (1.002) at Great American Ball Park in his career than any other opponents’ park (along with a .394 on-base percentage).”

Reds manager Francona has recently made comments regarding the importance of considering defense in the push to add some much-needed offense to the team this offseason.

“You can chase offense, but that’s a hard way to play (if it sacrifices defense),” Francona told reporters.

“Unless you’re an elite offensive player,” he said, “you better be able to catch the ball.”

The Cubs are starting a weekend series with the Reds this Friday at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati.

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