All-Star Third Baseman Isaac Paredes Returns to Chicago Cubs in Blockbuster Trade
The Major League Baseball world was thrown into a frenzy with the announcement of yet another significant trade involving All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes. In a substantial move before the July 30 trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays finalized a deal that sees Paredes returning to the Windy City.
Paredes' Journey
Originally signed by the Chicago Cubs as an amateur, Paredes' career has come full circle. After a stint with the Detroit Tigers and subsequently the Tampa Bay Rays, he is now headed back to the team that first saw his potential. At 25 years old, the young third baseman boasts a slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) along with 67 home runs over 354 games. This performance places him just behind the likes of Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ among regular third basemen during that span.
While his stats are impressive, Paredes' average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile, according to Statcast's metrics. Robert Orr's database highlights another intriguing aspect of his game: Paredes pulls a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors. However, Statcast also estimates that if Paredes had played at Wrigley Field, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer for his career.
Despite these metrics, the potential that the Cubs see in Paredes is undeniable. His contract offers Chicago team control through the 2027 season, ensuring that they will have his batting capacity and overall dynamic play contributing to their roster for several more years.
The Rays' Perspective
The Rays have been active in the trade market since the start of July, parting ways with several key players such as Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes. The Rays, who won 99 games last season, are only half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox.
Commenting on the Rays' management style, one insider noted, "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due." This reflects the bold and sometimes controversial decisions made by the organization in their quest for consistent competitiveness.
Christopher Morel's Potential
The trade involving Paredes wasn't one-sided. Christopher Morel, a 25-year-old promising batter, is part of the deal and heads to Tampa Bay. Morel's 90th percentile exit velocity places him in the company of Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. Analysts have high expectations for Morel, emphasizing, "Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years."
While it's still uncertain where the Rays might position Morel, there's speculation that he could be placed at second base, left field, or designated hitter. "The Rays may want to plop him down at second base (or left field, or DH) and say, 'that's that, go hit and we won't mind the defensive damage,'" one expert mentioned, underscoring Morel's offensive value over his defensive skills.
Future Prospects
Included in the trade were Bigge, 26, who has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, and Johnson, 22, a recent pick from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round. These additions could bolster the Rays' lineup and provide more depth to their roster.
All eyes will be on how these pieces fit into their new teams. The Cubs, needing a boost in their batting capacity, see Paredes as a pivotal part of their strategy moving forward. Meanwhile, the Rays continue their trend of making bold moves, betting on Morel and their new acquisitions to keep their playoff hopes alive.