Chicago Cubs News: Is Ian Happ here to stay?
After impressing during the Chicago Cubs weekend series against the St. Louis Cardinals, there has been talk that top prospect Ian Happ could remain with the Major League team for the long-term.
The Chicago Cubs made a surprising roster move on Saturday when they promoted top prospect Ian Happ to the Major League level.
Happ’s promotion was considered to be a short-term considering the illness of Kris Bryant and injuries to Javier Baez and Addison Russell. With the Cubs bench shortened, the belief was that Happ could provide some short-term relief among the position players.
After homering on Saturday and collecting two hits on Sunday, Happ has impressed manager Joe Maddon. That has led to speculation that Happ could be here to stay on the Major League roster.
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While Theo Epstein and his front office typically prefer for their top prospects to have at least one season at each level of an organization, they also have developed a pattern during their time with the Cubs. That pattern has seen the Cubs promote prospects early in the season and then depend on them later in the season. That was the case for Bryant and Russell in 2015. That was also the case for catcher Willson Contreras and outfielder Albert Almora last season.
Chances are Happ could be that prospect for the Cubs this season.
The only question would be how would the Cubs manipulate the roster in order to keep Happ on the roster. There has been speculation that Happ could take Kyle Schwarber‘s roster spot. Schwarber has struggled this season and if his woes continue into June, that could be what the Cubs elect to do.
Next: Ian Happ to take Kyle Schwarber's roster spot?
Time will tell what the Cubs have planned for Happ this season. But if Happ builds upon his strong start from this weekend, he may make the decision for the Chicago Cubs’ front office.