Renowned Reds' killer could take a pay cut to return to Cubs in 2027

Cincinnati Reds fans can cross Ian Happ off their list of would-be free agent targets for the upcoming offseason. According to FanSided's MLB insider Pat Ragazzo, Happ is willing to take a discount if it means being able to re-sign with the Chicago Cubs.

Happ has spent his entire professional career with the Cubs, and it would seem that he has hopes of continuing to play on the North Side of Chicago. The outfielder could take a hometown discount rather than pursuing a more lucrative deal on the open market and help continue the Cubs' push to overtake the Milwaukee Brewers as the most dominant team in the NL Central division.

Happ already signed what many believed to be a team-friendly contract extension with Chicago back in 2023. He inked a three-year, $61 million deal at the time that included a full no-trade clause. One can assume that if Happ returns to Chicago, he'd want similar language included in his new deal to help insure his future.

Reds fans won't be happy if Ian Happ returns to the Cubs

This news will not be met with great joy from the Reds fanbase. Not only would the Cincinnati faithful prefer to have Happ in the home team's dugout at Great American Ball Park, but he's been a certified Reds' killer since his Major League debut back in 2017.

In total, Happ has played against the Reds 141 times. He currently owns a .269/.381/.558 slash line, and has 34 home runs and 93 RBI when facing Cincinnati. Both numbers are his highest among any opponent. Happ's .939 OPS against the Reds is only bested by his 1.047 OPS against the Athletics — but that's a much smaller sample size, and the A's home ballpark the past two seasons has been a launching pad.

Happ is arguably the best outfield bat available this coming winter, though some would surely advocate for Seattle Mariners slugger Randy Arozarena. Other outfielders set to hit the open market include Seiya Suzuki (Cubs), Daulton Varsho (Toronto Blue Jays), and Taylor Ward (Seattle Mariners).

If these latest rumors are true, and Happ returns to Chicago this offseason, Reds fans will want to find a seat in the moon deck when the Cubs come to town. It's a virtual guarantee you'll be well-positioned to take home a souvenir.

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