Isaac Paredes Returns to Chicago Cubs in Major Trade
The Major League Baseball world was shaken as All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes is once again on the move. The Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays have agreed on a significant trade just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, bringing Paredes back to where he first entered professional baseball.
Paredes, originally signed by the Cubs as an amateur, has had an eventful career path. He was first traded to the Detroit Tigers, then found his way to the Tampa Bay Rays, and now is returning to the Windy City. At 25 years old, Paredes has established himself as a notable player with an impressive slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+), including 67 home runs over 354 games. His performance has consistently placed him just behind elite third basemen like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ during that span.
However, Paredes' average exit velocity only ranks in the 4th percentile, according to Statcast metrics. Additionally, Robert Orr's database reveals that Paredes pulls a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors. Statcast estimates suggest 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 Cubs see significant potential in Paredes.
Paredes' contract offers the Cubs team control through the 2027 season. The Cubs intend to use Paredes to boost their batting capacity and overall team dynamics, banking on his proven abilities to enhance their lineup. "Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years," analysts believe, reflecting optimism about the changes being made.
The Rays, who won 99 games last season, have been active in the trade market since the start of July. They have traded Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes. Despite these significant moves, the Rays are only half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox. This aggressive strategy from the Rays' management showcases their fearless and strategic approach, with one insider noting, "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due."
Part of the deal includes Christopher Morel, a promising batter at 25 years old. With a 90th percentile exit velocity, Morel is comparable to players like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. The Rays may find diverse uses for Morel, possibly placing him at second base, left field, or utilizing him as a designated hitter. One expert observed, "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.'" Morel's versatility and potent batting potential make him a valuable addition for the Rays.
Additionally, the trade includes Bigge, who at 26 has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, and Johnson, a 22-year-old talent recently picked from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round. Both bring different aspects of promise and potential to the Rays' lineup as they navigate this strategic shake-up.
As the Cubs look to integrate Paredes back into their fold, they aim to leverage his strengths to make a strong push in the remaining season and beyond. Paredes' familiarity with the organization and his established track record provide a solid foundation for his return. Meanwhile, the Rays continue to maneuver with bold trades, keeping an eye on their playoff aspirations while recalibrating their roster.