Career Timeline of Ian Happ: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Ian Happ built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ian Happ is a professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the Chicago Cubs in MLB. Drafted by the Cubs in 2015 out of the University of Cincinnati, he debuted in the major leagues in 2017. His career highlights include being named an All-Star in 2022 and winning the Gold Glove Award consecutively in 2022, 2023, and 2024, recognizing his defensive excellence.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Draft Prospect

In 2015, Ian Happ was considered one of the top prospects for the Major League Baseball draft. The Chicago Cubs selected him in the first round, with the ninth overall selection.

2015: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs

In 2015, the Chicago Cubs selected Ian Happ in the first round of the MLB draft.

2016: Minor League Baseball

In 2016, Ian Happ played for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the Tennessee Smokies, batting .279/.365/.445 with 15 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases across 134 games.

2017: MLB Debut

In 2017, Ian Happ made his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago Cubs.

2017: MLB Debut and Rookie Season

In 2017, Ian Happ was promoted to the major leagues by the Chicago Cubs on May 13. He hit a home run in his debut game. On June 13, he became the fifth player in MLB history to hit a grand slam and strike out four times in the same game. He finished the season with a .253/.328/.514 slash line, 24 home runs, and 68 RBIs.

March 29, 2018: Opening Day Home Run

On March 29, 2018, in the opening day game against the Miami Marlins, Ian Happ hit a home run off the first pitch, becoming only the second player in MLB history to achieve this feat at the beginning of a season.

July 25, 2019: Return to the Majors

On July 25, 2019, Ian Happ was recalled to the major leagues after working on his strikeout rate with the Iowa Cubs.

2020: 2020 Season

During the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Ian Happ played center field for the Cubs, hitting .258/.361/.505 with 12 home runs and 28 RBIs in 57 games.

2021: Salary Arbitration and Career Highs

In 2021, Ian Happ won his salary arbitration case. He also set career highs with 105 hits, 25 home runs, 63 runs scored, and 9 stolen bases, leading the Cubs with 66 RBIs.

2022: Career-High Season and All-Star Selection

In 2022, Ian Happ played a career-high 158 games, hitting .271/.342/.440 with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs. He also earned his first All-Star selection and a Gold Glove Award.