Happ, Suzuki: No Recent Extension Talks With Cubs

"It's possible that a big pivot is coming up in the club's position player mix. Kyle Tucker just departed via free agency. After the 2026 season, the Cubs are slated to see Happ, Suzuki and second baseman Nico Hoerner hit the open market. Carson Kelly's deal has a 2027 mutual option but those provisions are almost never picked up by both sides, so he should be considered an impending free agent as well."

"That gives the Cubs a good amount of future spending capacity. Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman are the only players guaranteed more than $6MM next year. RosterResource projects them for just $76.25MM in spending next year. That number will come up with arbitration-eligible and pre-arb players but there's a big gap between that figure and the $231MM they're spending on the 2026 squad."

"Pete Crow-Armstrong should be a fixture in center field since he remains under club control through 2030 but the corners would need to be addressed. That could happen internally, in theory. could get some outfield work this year and could be a potential factor. His most logical long-term fit would be second base, with Hoerner's potential departure, though a Hoerner extension is another thing the Cubs could consider."

Some outfielders and Seiya Suzuki have not yet heard from the club regarding contract extensions. Kyle Tucker left in free agency, and after 2026 the Cubs could lose Happ, Suzuki and Nico Hoerner, while Carson Kelly's 2027 mutual option is unlikely to result in both sides staying. Only Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman are guaranteed over $6MM next year, with projected guaranteed spending near $76.25MM versus a $231MM 2026 payroll, creating notable flexibility. The outfield corners are the primary roster holes despite Pete Crow-Armstrong being controlled through 2030. Internal candidates such as Kevin Alcántara and Justin Dean carry performance uncertainty.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors