Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the 'Men in the Middle' the Cubs are counting on in 2022?
The Cubs are building around middle infielders Nico Hoerner and Nick Madrigal, center fielder Ian Happ, and catcher Willson Contreras. These four players are expected to form the core of the new-look Cubs roster as the rebuild gets underway.
How did Nick Madrigal end up on the Cubs?
Nick Madrigal was acquired from the Chicago White Sox at the July 2021 trade deadline as part of the Craig Kimbrel trade. He only managed 200 at-bats before being lost for the season due to injury.
What is Willson Contreras's contract situation heading into 2022?
Contreras is entering the final year of his contract, which expires after the 2022 season. The Cubs must decide whether he is a building block for their future or an attractive trade piece as they continue rebuilding their farm system.
How did Ian Happ perform in the second half of the 2021 season?
Happ was a completely different player after the trade deadline, slashing .268 with 16 home runs, 43 RBI, and a strong .886 OPS in the second half. His Batting Average on Balls In Play jumped 100 points from .231 to .331 compared to his first-half struggles.
What do Nico Hoerner and Nick Madrigal have in common off the field?
Both players are from northern California, both played college baseball in the Pac-12 — Hoerner at Stanford and Madrigal at Oregon State — and the two were training together during the 2021-22 offseason.