Bears News: Happ reacts to Bellinger still being un-signed in free agency |
Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ has arrived for Spring Training with most of his teammates to get ready for the upcoming 2024 season.
One notable player that is not at Cubs camp and still-unsigned in free agency is his former Cubs teammate Cody Bellinger. Happ understands that the free agent process, especially with super agent Scott Boras, is a methodical journey for both the client and potential suitors. "He's not the first guy to go through it that way. There's plenty of guys that have gone late into spring training," Happ said. "That's the way the market shaped up this year. For them, it's the way they've chosen to do it. There's nothing wrong with that." Bellinger had 26 homers, 29 doubles, 97 RBIs, 95 runs, 20 steals, and a .881 OPS in 2023. “He had an incredible season,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said back in October. “Yes, I do think that the contributions he made will have to be replaced. Obviously, we'd love to bring him back. But in a world where that's somewhat uncertain, we do have to figure out a way to replace that offensively.” My first @ihapp_1 sighting of the 2024 campaign! He's got the batting gloves to match the new Spring Training hats! #Cubs #ST2K24 pic.twitter.com/1XS9Tco2UL