Ian Happ on Cubs extension: "This is the place I've always wanted to be"

by Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Thu Apr 13 11:40:57 GMT-04:00 2023

The Chicago Cubs and left fielder Ian Happ agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $61 million before Wednesday's ballgame against the Seattle Mariners.

After the 5-2 loss, Happ spoke to the media about his reaction to the contract news.

"This is the place I always wanted to be," Happ said. "I've been pretty clear about that for a long time. I think just the fact that I have wanted to wear this uniform for as long as I possibly can made it pretty easy."

Happ talked to his former teammate Anthony Rizzo about the extension process.

"I definitely talked to Rizz through the process," Happ said. "He's such a good friend and so close. I don't know what changed or why (with Happ's and Cubs talking), but all those things at some point come together, and you get some momentum. Sometimes it's hard to find the momentum, then once you get it, things can happen quick."

Happ is excited to play with Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki, and others that are locked up through the 2026 season with the Cubs.

"Taking something that is three years and runs through my baseball prime and having to go back out in the market at (age) 32," Happ said, "but that was my concession to be here. I really wanted to continue to wear this uniform. I really wanted to play this group of guys -- Nico and Seiya and (Jonathan) Taillon and Dansby and the guys that are going to be here."

Happ loves the Windy City and its diehard fans that make Wrigley Field one of the best venues in sports.

"Then the city and the fan base and what it means. That is the reason why I was willing to discuss a three-year term. Because if that was what was going to get it done, that meant a lot to me."

He understands that the Cubs are building the foundation for another possible championship run.

"To me the exciting part about being here is being able to build something and work toward a championship," Happ added. "I think that is a motivating factor for me, how much I love this place and love the idea of competing in the playoffs in a Cubs uniform."