Cubs Can't Agree On Deal With Willson Contreras, Avoid Arbitration With Ian Happ

The Cubs have avoided arbitration with switch-hitting outfielder Ian Happ, but the team could not settle on a salary with soon-to-be free agent catcher Willson Contreras. Contreras, 29, is in his final year of team control and is slated to be a free agent following the 2022 season. Meanwhile, Happ will be able to test free agency after the 2023 season. Still no word on Harold Ramirez salary status. He was picked up by the Cubs from Cleveland this offseason and is still under team control through 2025.

Happ and the Cubs did not come to an agreement last offseason and the two sides ultimately went to an arbitration hearing. Happ came out winning, getting $4.1 million in 2021, while the team had filed at $3.25 million. As for Contreras, his 2022 salary will be determined at an arbitration hearing.

MLB Trade Rumors' annual projections for arbitration salaries had the following for the trio of Cubs.

• Willson Contreras (5.108 years of service time) – $8.7 million
• Ian Happ (4.036 years of service time) – $6.5 million
• Harold Ramirez (2.124 years of service time) – $1.6 million

UPDATE The Harold Ramirez mystery has been solved! He already agreed to a deal before the Cubs traded for him back in November. Also, Michael Hermosillo's contract was re-worked following the raise on the league minimum that was agreed to during the lockout.