Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ acknowledged Thursday that the club’s final regular-season home game of 2026 could be his last at Wrigley Field before free agency.
Happ, 32, has spent his entire major-league career with the Cubs after Chicago selected him ninth overall in the 2015 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut in 2017 and has since become one of the organization’s longest-tenured players, giving Thursday’s game against the Miami Marlins added significance.
ESPN’s Jesse Rogers shared Happ’s comments Thursday on X, formerly Twitter, capturing the veteran’s perspective as he prepared for what could be his final regular-season home appearance with the Cubs.
“This is the last controllable day here. I'll take it in. It's crazy. 10 years of memories. There will be emotions. I want to savor it. There's no fanbase more supportive of its players.”
Article Continues BelowHapp is playing out the final season of the three-year, $61 million extension he signed in April 2023 and is eligible for free agency this offseason. Through 152 games in 2026, he is batting .221 with 24 home runs, 68 RBI and 88 runs scored.
The veteran left fielder has totaled 1,068 career hits and 197 home runs while winning four consecutive Gold Gloves from 2022 through 2025. He also earned his lone All-Star selection in 2022. He reached another career milestone in June by recording his 1,000th hit, further adding to a decade-long run with the organization.
Chicago carries a 87-71 record into Thursday and remains in the National League wild-card race with postseason positioning at stake. After facing the Marlins, the Cubs will finish the regular season with three games vs. the Boston Red Sox, including a Friday doubleheader and Saturday finale before the postseason begins.
A return to Wrigley remains possible if the Cubs host postseason games, but the veteran's future beyond 2026 remains unresolved. With free agency approaching, Thursday stands as his final guaranteed regular-season game at the ballpark he has called home throughout his MLB career.