4 blockbuster trade targets that could be Yankees next ‘big’ move

2. Ian Happ

What’re we waiting for here? The Cubs are going nowhere as fast as you possibly can, and Ian Happ doesn’t fit into their long-term picture unless owner Tom Ricketts actually wants to pay the right players (but he doesn’t).

The last few offseasons, he’s invested $216 million in Seiya Suzuki, Marcus Stroman, Jameson Taillon and Yan Gomes. Somebody help this guy.

Now, with Happ entering his final year of arbitration eligibility, there’s absolutely no reason for Chicago to hold onto him unless they’re ready to pay up. Might as well purge some more assets from the Yankees in a trade, eh? They already got Hayden Wesneski for Scott Effross. Why stop there?

Happ would be the perfect acquisition for the Yankees in left field. He showed his defensive value by finally getting situated at the position last year after bouncing around the infield and outfield since 2017. He also logged a career year at the plate, hitting .271 with 42 doubles and 72 RBI in 158 games (all bests to date). He was an All-Star and Gold Glover for the first time.

Perhaps the Yankees would be willing to work out a trade and extension, because the switch-hitting slugger is coming into his own and would be a more prudent option than the aging outfielders left in free agency.