Cubs Unlikely to Extend All-Star Ian Happ's Contract

The team has already locked up other key players, but the four-time Gold Glove winner may depart after this season.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:08pm

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The Chicago Cubs are expected to part ways with four-time Gold Glove outfielder Ian Happ after the 2026 season, despite the team recently signing contract extensions with other star players like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner. Happ has admitted this could be his final year with the Cubs, as the organization may look to younger options like Kevin Alcantara or Matt Shaw to replace the veteran.

Why it matters

Happ has been a key contributor for the Cubs over the past several seasons, making the All-Star team in 2022 and winning four consecutive Gold Glove awards. His potential departure would be a significant loss for the team, as they look to build around their younger core players.

The details

Despite rewarding Crow-Armstrong and Hoerner with long-term extensions, the Cubs are not expected to give Happ a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of the 2026 season. Commentators have suggested that including a no-trade clause in Happ's previous contract may have played a role in the team's reluctance to keep him. The Cubs may instead look to in-house options like Alcantara and Shaw to potentially replace Happ in the outfield.

  • Happ's current three-year, $61 million contract with the Cubs is set to expire at the end of the 2026 season.
  • The Cubs recently signed extensions with Pete Crow-Armstrong (six years, $115 million) and Nico Hoerner (six years, $141 million) to keep them with the team through at least 2032.

The players

Ian Happ

A four-time Gold Glove outfielder who has spent his entire professional career with the Chicago Cubs organization after being selected in the first round of the 2015 draft.

Pete Crow-Armstrong

A 24-year-old All-Star and MVP candidate who recently signed a six-year, $115 million extension to remain with the Cubs.

Nico Hoerner

The Gold Glove second baseman agreed to a six-year, $141 million contract extension with the Cubs, despite being linked to a potential move away from the team during the offseason.

Kevin Alcantara

The fourth-ranked prospect in the Cubs organization, recently optioned to AAA Iowa to start the 2026 season, who could be seen as a potential future replacement for Happ in the outfield.

Matt Shaw

A versatile infielder/outfielder who has been featuring in the outfield to start the 2026 season and could also be an option to help replace Happ.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a true honor for me to represent this great city, organization, and fan base. The reality of this is you can't control if the team wants you back. It's totally plausible another chapter elsewhere awaits me.”

— Ian Happ, Cubs Outfielder

“Including a no-trade clause in the star's current contract was a mistake. The stipulation played a major role in why he is the longest-serving player on the team.”

— Mike Mulligan, 104.3 The Score Commentator

What’s next

The Cubs will need to determine their long-term outfield plans as Happ's contract expires, with younger options like Alcantara and Shaw potentially in the mix to replace the veteran.

The takeaway

The Cubs' decision not to extend Happ's contract highlights the team's focus on building around their younger core players, even if it means parting ways with a longtime contributor like the four-time Gold Glove winner.