Ian Happ

The results have to come for Happ because manager Craig Counsell views him as an important piece of the lineup.

Just when it seemed the Cubs were on the verge of having their lineup back at full strength, Swanson tweaked his knee.

In the most important stretch of the season, the Cubs have lost four games in a row by a combined five runs.

Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are struggling in July. Is this a poorly timed rough patch, or something else?

At some point, players like Happ and Seiya Suzuki have to start contributing in the slugging department.

Last season the Cubs were 22 games below .500 at the break. They're better now, but not yet where they want to be.

“I could smell it the whole game,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “But, yeah, as long as it’s safe for the players, you play.”

Happ has parlayed an excellent 2022 season into a strong offensive start as he's settled in as the Cubs' No. 3 hitter.

Suzuki's season debut included a home run, as did Ian Happ's 4-for-4 showing. Pitcher Justin Steele did his part, too.

"The exciting part about being here is being able to build something and work towards a championship," Happ said.

The deal will be worth $61 million over three years, a major-league source confirmed to The Athletic.

Ian Happ is confident in his swing, but he wanted to tweak his training to find some improvements.

From here, the Cubs can go in a lot of different directions. “We’re not trying to win the narrative,” Jed Hoyer said.

Ahead of Opening Day, the Cubs have not reached an agreement with Ian Happ on a long-term contract extension.

The Cubs coaches and front office members aren't blind. They see what we're all watching. Wesneski looks the part and is getting results.

Happ's leadership, which comes with intellectual curiosity and edginess, has made him an integral part of the team on and off the field.

Teams like Atlanta have successfully been able to extend their own young players. Can that finally become the case in Chicago?

Jed Hoyer has previously expressed a desire to avoid negotiations once players reported to Mesa.