(670 The Score) The Cubs avoided arbitration with third baseman Kris Bryant, shortstop Javier Baez, catcher Willson Contreras and right-hander Zach Davies by agreeing with them Friday to salary figures for the 2021 season. But they didn't get a deal done with outfielder Ian Happ, who's now on a path toward arbitration.
Happ filed for $4.1 million, while the Cubs filed at $3.25 million, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago. If Happ and the Cubs don't reach an agreement in the coming weeks, a panel of arbiters will decide in a hearing sometime in February which side wins the case.
Happ is coming off a strong season, hitting .258 with 12 homers, 28 RBIs and an .866 OPS in 57 games. This is the first time he has been arbitration-eligible. He's under team control through 2023.
Bryant and the Cubs settled at $19.5 million. He's entering the final season of his contract and has often found himself in trade speculation as the Cubs have shifted their focus to the long-term picture. Bryant is coming off a rough 2020 season, when he was hampered by injuries and hit .206 with four homers, 11 RBIs and a .644 OPS in 34 games.
Baez and the Cubs agreed to an $11.65-million deal. He's coming off a poor season as well, hitting .203 with eight homers, 24 RBIs and a .599 OPS in 59 games. Like Bryant, Baez is in the final season of his contract.
Contreras and the Cubs found common ground at $6.65 million. He hit .243 with seven homers, 26 RBIs and a .763 in 57 games this past season. He's under contract for two more seasons.
Davies, whom the Cubs acquired from the Padres in a trade that sent ace Yu Darvish to San Diego in late December, settled at $8.63 million. He had a 2.73 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 12 starts in 2020. Davies is also in the final year of his contract.
