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 for the Chicago Cubs. Drafted by the Cubs in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft after playing college baseball for the Cincinnati Bearcats, he debuted in MLB in 2017. Acknowledged for his skills, Happ was named an All-Star in 2022 and has won Gold Glove Awards in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs

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

2016: Minor League Assignments

In 2016, Ian Happ played for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the Tennessee Smokies, batting .279 with 15 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases across 134 total games. He also played for the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League after the season.

2017: MLB Debut

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

2017: Promotion to Major Leagues

In 2017, Ian Happ was promoted to the major leagues by the Chicago Cubs on May 13. 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 24 home runs and 68 RBIs in 115 games.

March 29, 2018: Home Run on Opening Day

On March 29, 2018, in the opening day game against the Miami Marlins, Ian Happ hit a home run off of Jose Urena on the first pitch, becoming the second player in MLB history to hit a home run off the first pitch of an MLB season.

July 25, 2019: Recalled to the Majors

On July 25, 2019, Ian Happ was recalled to the major leagues.

September 30, 2019: National League Player of the Week

On September 30, 2019, Ian Happ was named National League Player of the Week.

2020: 2020 Season

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

2021: Investment in Jomboy Media

In 2021, Ian Happ invested in Jomboy Media and began hosting his podcast, The Compound, on their network.

2021: Salary Arbitration and Season Performance

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

2022: All-Star and Gold Glove Season

In 2022, Ian Happ played a career-high 158 games and made his first All-Star game. He also won a Gold Glove Award in left field.

April 13, 2023: Contract Extension with the Cubs

On April 13, 2023, Ian Happ signed a three-year, $61 million contract extension with the Chicago Cubs.

July 4, 2023: Multiple Outfield Assists

During a game against the Milwaukee Brewers on July 4, 2023, Ian Happ had multiple outfield assists at home plate, a feat not achieved since 1992 by Bernard Gilkey.