The Chicago Cubs had an interesting offseason.
Though they lost Willson Contreras to their arch rivals in the St. Louis Cardinals, they still acquired some big pieces, with their biggest signings being Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger, Trey Mancini, Eric Hosmer, Jameson Taillon, and Michael Fulmer.
Now, the Cubs look like they could potentially challenge St. Louis for NL Central supremacy.
Ian Happ is in the final year of his contract, but is now one of the elder statesmen in Chicago.
The Cubs’ star outfielder stopped by MLB Network to discuss the new-look Cubs and what it means for them to have added such big pieces.
2022 All-Star and Gold Glove winner @ihapp_1 speaks on getting all of the @Cubs new pieces acclimated at #SpringTraining and the threat their new-look lineup could pose this season.#MLBNHotStove | @SieraSantos pic.twitter.com/0zkZDL3bxf
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 22, 2023
Happ talked about the confidence instilled in the players by manager David Ross and about the accolades of some of the new acquisitions.
There are plenty of players on the Cubs roster who have been a part of World Series teams.
Kyle Hendricks is the last holdover from 2016, but Bellinger won a ring with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020 and Swanson won a title with the Atlanta Braves in 2021.
Happ then talked about what has him excited about the 2023 season and what the Cubs have on their roster.
The veteran outfielder spoke about the talent on the Cubs roster and what certain players have been able to accomplish during their careers.
He says he is excited to get to know everybody and hopefully build a winning culture on the North Side of Chicago, and that building a rapport with his new teammates is first and foremost.
