Tommy Birch

tbirch@dmreg.com

Ian Happ made the decision for the Chicago Cubs.

When spring training started, one of the questions surrounding the blue-chip prospect was where he would start the season: in double-A with Tennessee or triple-A with Iowa?

Happ had a definitive answer to this dilemma with his dominant play.

"We were a split camp as far as starting him in double-A or triple-A,” said Jaron Madison, Chicago’s director of player development. “He did spend almost half a season in double-A last season. So, it was never a feel that he couldn’t handle triple-A. It was just making sure he was ready, and I think this spring training just showed that he has a mature approach and he can handle upper-level pitching.”

Thus, Happ is the headliner for the Iowa Cubs, who open the season Thursday on the road against the Oklahoma City Dodgers. It's another season featuring big prospects, following years of squads that sported MLB superstars Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Jake Arrietta, among others. Iowa’s Opening Day roster includes 11 players ranked among the top 30 prospects in the organization, according to MLB.com.

“I’m ready to go,” said Happ, who begins the season as the organization's No. 2 prospect. “I’m excited to start the year and play some games.”

The switch-hitting infielder/outfielder from the University of Cincinnati was Chicago’s first-round pick and the ninth overall player selected in the 2015 MLB Draft. After making his professional debut in 2015, Happ has been rapidly rising through the system.

In two professional seasons, Happ has compiled a .272 batting average with 47 doubles, seven triples and 24 homers. He hit .279 with 15 homers in stops at Class-A Advanced Myrtle Beach and double-A Tennessee last season.

But his profile grew immensely after his performance in spring training. There, the 22-year-old hit like a veteran. He batted .383 with five home runs and an MLB-best 21 RBI. He did so well that the Cubs decided he was done with double-A after just 65 games at that level.

MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that Happ was so impressive that he could eventually make Chicago slugger Kyle Schwarber expendable.

“People inside the organization always considered him very highly and had him ranked the top one to two in the organization,” Madison said. “Now, I think the fans have a better sense of who he is and what he can do when he’s given the chance to play consistently.”

Happ will get plenty of opportunities in Des Moines. Madison said the plan is for Happ to play mostly at second base. He added that Happ will get some time at all three outfield spots and said there is a possibility he could play some at third base.

His bat is what will get him to the big-leagues, though. Improving his defense and showing he can be counted on to play multiple positions is key to his development.

“I think that being versatile is the only thing you can do to kind of help yourself overall,” Happ said. “The fact that I can play multiple positions, the fact that everyone on the team plays multiple positions, is nice.”

Although Happ is one phone call away from his first big-league promotion, his success in Iowa may not dictate the timeline. There’s also a roadblock of talent in his way.

Javier Baez’s big bat and defensive skills, not only at second base but throughout the field, have made him a valuable commodity. Veteran Ben Zobrist can be used in a ton of spots. And the outfield includes youngsters Albert Almora Jr. and Schwarber.

“We’ll just kind of wait and let everything play out,” Madison said. “I think there’s definitely a spot for him on the big-league roster when the time comes.”

Chicago’s riches could be beneficial if they need to make a trade. If the Cubs can’t find a home for him, someone else could.

“He could end up finding a spot,” MLB.com and MLBPipeline.com senior writer Jim Callis said. “If he reaches his offensive potential and he’s a switch-hitter with 20-20 potential, you’re going to find a place for him.

“I think Ian’s talented enough that it’ll happen. Or, worst case is maybe he’s the guy who gets traded in a deal for a pitcher if they go out and try to swing some kind of deal.”

Former Iowa Cubs Bryant and Schwarber quickly worked their way up to the big leagues. Schwarber was up by his second season. Bryant was up by his third.

Madison said he wouldn’t be surprised to see Happ helping the big-league side sometime in 2017.

If he has any shot, he has to pass his first test against triple-A pitching.

“He definitely has the skill set to impact the game,” Madison said. “Now, it’s just about opportunity for him and being ready — making sure he puts his work in and is ready when the opportunity does come. I think absolutely, if something happens — knock on wood, someone goes down or needs a few weeks off — I think Ian could step up and help out.”

Happ’s spring training performance showed that.

Tennessee manager Mark Johnson, who was Happ’s skipper at the end of last season, said it also showed how far the prospect has come. Johnson believed Happ tired at the end of his first full-length season as a pro.

“What you see in spring training tells the tale,” Johnson said. “He’s a different type of player that has a little something in his bat. Defensively, he looked a lot crisper and a lot cleaner and a lot more polished this spring.”

As fans wonder when Happ may get his shot at Chicago, he’s focused on his development in Iowa.

"I want to go out and compete and I want to play hard and continue to get better and at some point, if I get the opportunity, I’ll be ecstatic and take advantage of it,” Happ said.