Ian Happ just spoke with the media at Wrigley Field ahead of tomorrow’s opener, and, understandably, the state of contract talks – or lack thereof – was a focus.
Unfortunately, it sounds like there is nothing doing whatsoever:
Did you catch that part at the end there? When asked about free agency, since there is no extension, and whether he’s excited to put himself on display in advance of free agency, Happ took a beat and said only that he was excited to play with this group of guys. That’s a studied answer, yes, but I believe it is 100% true. I think Happy really wants to stay with this group for years to come, and I just hope there’s not too much bitterness about a deal not coming together.
Notably, Happ is happy for his buddy, Nico Hoerner: