Chicago Cubs’ ‘Iron Men’: The MLB’s Most Reliable Superstars?

When it comes to Major League Baseball, talent means nothing if you can’t stay on the field. And in an era where injuries and load management often dominate the conversation, the Chicago Cubs have something most teams envy—durability.

Two of their key players, Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ, have quietly become two of the most dependable stars in the league, ranking among the top 10 in games played percentage over the last five seasons. But does this consistency translate to true superstar status, or are they simply reliable role players?

Cubs’ Dynamic Duo Among MLB’s Most Durable

A recent study by BrooksGate, a prominent MLB analytics account, revealed the top 10 players in terms of percentage of games played since 2020. The findings?

Dansby Swanson ranked seventh, having played in 95.9% of his team’s games.
Ian Happ followed closely behind at ninth, with 95.2%.

In a sport where availability is often overlooked in favor of flashy stats, this level of consistency is rare—especially in the grueling 162-game MLB schedule.

But while both players have proven to be iron men, their overall impact on the Cubs sparks an interesting debate: Is reliability enough to justify their value?

Ian Happ: The Cubs’ Homegrown Workhorse

Unlike Swanson, Ian Happ has been a Chicago Cub from Day 1. A first-round pick in 2015, Happ has evolved into one of the team’s most consistent and underrated contributors.

The numbers back it up:

148+ games played in four straight seasons
Career .248/.343/.451 slash line
Three-time Gold Glove winner (2021-2023)
Never posted an OPS+ below 100

While he might not be a perennial All-Star, his ability to stay healthy, produce solid offensive numbers, and provide elite defense makes him invaluable. But is he a franchise cornerstone or just an elite role player?

Dansby Swanson: Big Contract, Mixed Results

When the Cubs handed Dansby Swanson a seven-year, $177 million deal—the second-largest in franchise history—expectations were sky-high.

Defensively, Swanson has been everything they hoped for and more. Offensively? That’s where the debate gets interesting.

Swanson’s Performance Breakdown

Final 3 Years with Atlanta Braves:

.265/.324/.451 slash line
Averaged 25 home runs per season

First 2 Years with the Cubs:

.243/.320/.403 slash line
Averaging 19 home runs per season

While his glove has remained elite, his bat has taken a step back. For a player signed to be a major offensive contributor, the drop-off raises questions. Was Swanson ever truly a top-tier hitter, or did the Cubs overpay for a good-but-not-great offensive shortstop?

The Big Question: Is Availability Overrated?

There’s no denying that both Happ and Swanson have been rock-solid in terms of durability. But in today’s MLB, where teams chase superstars rather than just consistent contributors, it’s fair to ask: