Have Chicago Cubs found their leadoff hitter in Ian Happ?

Ian Happ has been red hot so far this Spring Training in the leadoff role.  The Chicago Cubs are hoping this is a sign of things to come in 2018.

Ever since Dexter Fowler left after the 2016 season to join the St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago Cubs have been searching for a leadoff hitter.

In 2017, Joe Maddon tried out just about everyone in the leadoff spot.  There may have even been times when he considered signing a player out of the stands to fill in. The Cubs simply never got the production they needed.

Entering Spring Training, there was little expectation that this year would be different.  The Cubs did not really take any steps to address the particular need in the offseason.  Instead, they went into the new season with a “leadoff by committee” approach until someone separated themselves as the clear favorite.

Well, Ian Happ might just be doing that so far in Mesa, as he is about as hot as the sun beating down on Sloan Park.

In three starts from the leadoff spot, Happ has two leadoff home runs.  This is coming after a rookie campaign where he hit 24 home runs, just behind Kris Bryant (26) for most ever by a Chicago Cubs rookie.

In yesterday’s game against the Chicago White Sox, Happ followed up his leadoff home run with a double to deep right field in the bottom of the second inning.  He has also been flashing the leather in the outfield.

No doubt, he is seeing the ball extremely well.  While you never want to put too much emphasis on how a player performs this early in Spring Training, it is difficult not to get excited about his play.

One potential hiccup to Happ assuming the throne as the leadoff hitter is where he will play in the field.

The Cubs outfield is pretty crowded at the moment.  Although they are both coming off of down hitting years, the Cubs expect Ben Zobrist and Jason Heyward to be fixtures in the outfield rotation.

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In addition, big things are expected from Kyle Schwarber, who has entered the season in tremendous shape.  At the same time, the Cubs must find a way to continue to develop Albert Almora, Jr.

However, there are a few of things working in Ian Happ’s favor.

First, Joe Maddon is a wizard at platooning his players and finding enough ABs for his guys.  Second, Happ is a converted second baseman, so he has the ability to be the Cubs’ super-utility man, and can find ABs at second base.

Finally, and I know Cubs fans do not want to hear this, injuries happen.  Inevitably, over the course of a 162-game season, some players will miss some time.

Next: Ian Happ makes dazzling catch

Despite all of this, the reality is if Ian Happ continues to swing the bat the way he has, he will be the leadoff hitter.  It is a critical spot in the lineup and one that haunted the Cubs last year.  The way Happ is playing, he may just force his way into the everyday starting lineup.