The Chicago Cubs aren’t hesitating to lock up their talented young players, dishing out two extensions.
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All-Star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (six years, $115 million) received his extension as spring training ended, with second baseman Nico Hoerner also receiving one. Hoerner and the Cubs reportedly agreed to a six-year extension, preventing the Gold Glove winner from hitting free agency this offseason.
The Cubs also spent money in free agency. All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman signed a lucrative contract (five years, $175 million) with the Cubs after they pursued him the offseason before.
Despite the Cubs’ willingness to pay Crow-Armstrong, Hoerner, and Bregman, two players may not receive extensions.
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Outfielders Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are core members of the Cubs’ lineup and are two players who may not receive extensions. Pending free agents, Suzuki signed a five-year ($85 million) contract in 2022, while Happ signed a three-year extension ($61 million) in 2024.
Suzuki had a breakout season in 2025, mashing 32 home runs and driving in 103 RBI. Happ was his consistent self, having his third straight 20+ home run season (23), and winning his fourth straight Gold Glove.
Both should get extensions, but the Cubs aren’t likely to extend both. Happ and Suzuki are entering their early 30s, and Suzuki is on the injured list with a knee injury.
MLB’s labor negotiations could affect the Cubs’ signing of Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki
The looming work stoppage for 2027 may also affect the Cubs’ efforts to sign Suzuki and Happ. MLB’s wanting a “salary cap” will change how teams spend. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires on December 1, 2026.
Currently, teams can spend as much as they want, with penalties (taxes) applying once they reach a threshold. Under the current CBA, the luxury tax in 2026 is $244 million.
The Cubs’ current payroll, per Spotrac, sits at $246.65 million, the second time in this CBA (2024) the Cubs have surpassed the luxury tax. The Cubs total allocations for 2027 sit at $105.6 million — Hoerner’s contract details are still unknown.
Suzuki’s power potential could sway the Cubs to sign him over Happ. However, a consistent Gold Glove winner in left, paired with a Gold Glove center fielder (PCA, 2025), could be more beneficial.
Outfield prospect Kevin Alcantara — Alcantara was optioned to the minor leagues — is waiting in the wings and one of, or maybe both, Happ and Suzuki could be departing.
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