It’s been a minute since we’ve heard the Blue Jays and Ian Happ stuff, but it’s back today, via Jon Morosi and George Springer’s elbow.
I was not aware that Springer’s elbow issue could lead to a meaningful absence – the Jays have good reason to keep it SUPER hush-hush until at least tomorrow – but this would make a lot of sense if he’s gonna be out:
To reiterate on Happ: the Cubs do not have to trade him. Obviously. With team control through 2023, the Cubs aren’t any worse for the wear by not making a deal today. But if Happ’s value is at a perceived peak, and if the Cubs feel they have other options for the outfield (either internally or in free agency after the season), then they should certainly consider a deal if the return is as substantial as it SHOULD be for the Cubs to move Happ at all.
And now look at what Ben Nicholson-Smith puts up in response to Morosi:
Is Toronto suddenly the new package option destination for the Cubs? (Or is this the Cubs conveniently manifesting an option in case things with the Padres and/or Mets fall through?)
Feels like Nicholson-Smith is not bringing up Smyly out of nowhere, either. The Blue Jays have a NUMBER of compelling prospects that the Cubs, I’m sure, would be happy to explore in some combination deal.