Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ has quietly put together a strong resume during his time on the North Side and on Sunday he added his third consecutive gold glove award. Happ led all left fielders in the National League with 11 outfield assists while also leading the position in defensive runs saved, UZR/150 and had the best fielding percentage as well.
Happ is now the fifth Cubs player in Cubs history to win at least three consecutive gold glove awards with the team. You can see all of the 2024 winners here. What’s even more impressive is that Happ has become the first player in franchise history to win three gold glove awards as an outfielder. (Via Meghan Montemurro)
Just another example of how a player can eventually develop into a good defensive player once they get comfortable. Happ made his MLB debut during the 2017 season, when he started games at all three outfield positions, while also making 28 starts at second base and even logged 17 innings at third.
It wasn’t until 2022, when Happ ultimately became the every-day left fielder for the Cubs and ever since then he’s been the top-rated defender at the position in the National League.
