This spring, the Cubs have given contract extensions to 2 key gamers — Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner.
Other groups have accomplished the identical, primarily with younger gamers, some even with gamers who’ve but to play a MLB recreation.
The Cubs have two veteran gamers who don’t actually match both class above, however who’ve both been essential contributors to the group in recent times — Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki. Both are free agents after this season. They are virtually precisely the identical age, born 10 days aside (Happ, Aug. 8, 1994 and Suzuki, Aug, 18, 1994). So both flip 32 later this yr.
Happ has been a constant 4 bWAR participant over the previous 4 seasons. He’s received Gold Gloves every of these 4 seasons, and virtually at all times posts an OPS close to his profession common of .790. You know you’re going to get round 22-23 residence runs yearly from him, numerous walks that produce round a .340 OBP even with a BA in the .240s. He is a revered clubhouse chief. He’s already hit 4 residence runs this yr — final yr he didn’t hit his fourth homer till June 5.
Suzuki has been a bit injury-prone, however had a breakout 2025 season during which he batted .245/.326/.478 with 32 residence runs and 103 RBI. The latter two numbers have been profession highs, as have been his runs complete (75), his 31 doubles, and 75 walks. He started 2025 largely as a DH, however when Kyle Tucker went down with varied accidents, Suzuki performed 48 video games in the outfield and was not less than competent. (Granted, he has proven little of the defensive type that had him win NPB’s Golden Glove Award 5 occasions.)
Suzuki is off to a considerably sluggish begin this yr, .261/.393/.261 (6-for-23), with 5 walks giving him a good OBP. But that’s solely six video games for Seiya, and I really feel sure he’ll come near matching his 2025 numbers in 2026.
So of those two, which one would you need the Cubs to increase? Or both? Or neither?
Personally, I feel I’d quite preserve Suzuki. It appears to me that he may present a bit extra energy over the subsequent few years than Happ, and he may slide right into a DH position if wanted.