House That Hank Built
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Atlanta Braves looking to balance lineup: add a left-handed bat

By Fred Owens

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 04: General manager Alex Anthopoulos and manager Brian Snitker #43 of the Atlanta Braves talk during batting practice prior to Game One of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 04: General manager Alex Anthopoulos and manager Brian Snitker #43 of the Atlanta Braves talk during batting practice prior to Game One of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Braves might end their search for a lefty bat by acquiring Ian Happ. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Braves get Happ-y

The not-so-subtle headline teases my second switch hitter of the group, Cubs outfielder Ian Happ.

Like Santander, Happ is 27-years-old and, as the Braves found out over the weekend, having a strong season for Chicago. He’s currently batting .290/.389/.466/.855 with seven homers, a 13.7% walk rate, and a 19.8% K-rate.

Sabermetrically, he’s posted a .369 wOBA, 138 wRC+, and already has 2.1 fWAR in 262 PA this season.

Happ primary played left field for the Cubs but also filled in at center, right and second base. Unlike Santander, there’s no platoon question mark about Happ; he hits well, and with power, from both sides of the plate. His lefthanded numbers look higher, but he’s had fewer PA from that side.

The big change for Happ this year is his improved zone contact rate and a continuing decrease in WHIFF rate. Happ is striking out at the lowest rate in his career and 10% less than he did in 2021.

Would the Cubs trade him?

The Cubs have one year of control left after this season, he’s earning $6.9 million this year, and if he continues at this pace, his 2024 salary will easily hit double digits.

They definitely should trade Happ, but it’s the Cubs. Happ’s unlikely to be part of the club’s next championship-caliber team, and his trade can add depth to their farm system.

Happ’s going to cost more than Santander, and he should.

Proposed Deal:

Likelihood Happ is traded (anywhere): 85%.

The price is high, and Grissom’s intriguing, but he’s in A+ ball, and the need is now.

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