Chicago Cubs: Four position players who must excel in 2018
3. Ian Happ
If the Chicago Cubs don’t get as much out of Ben Zobrist as they hope, they appear to already have his next version in Happ.
As we saw last season, Happ is capable of competently playing essentially any infield and outfield position you as, like Zobrist.
Joe Maddon has talked with Ben Zobrist and Ian Happ about playing some first base this spring as he plans out days off for his top guys like Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant. Maddon once again has a deep position player base to choose from on a given night. https://t.co/5WUKarxKM2
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) February 18, 2018
Also, he proved reliable against both as a left-handed (.243/.334/.863, with 19 home runs and 52 RBI) and right-handed hitter (.276/.313/.789, with five home runs and 16 RBI).
And despite playing just 115 games, Happ quietly, or perhaps not so quietly, was one of the Cubs’ most consistent offensive players. He posted a .253/.328/.842 slash with 24 home runs and 68 RBI as a rookie. Yes…I will absolutely take that.
As with all young players, the league will make adjustments to Happ at the plate. But given the way he generally stayed consistent throughout last season, I think he’ll be fine. He’s just a good player.
Like Zobrist, he’ll have to work his way into the lineup with so many good position players available. More than likely, he’ll find time in the outfield, especially when the Cubs want better defensive lineups.
If he could push Jason Heyward for playing time in right field if he doesn’t perform, that’d be great.