The Major League Baseball landscape experienced a seismic shift as All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes finds himself on the move again. The latest shuffle sees Paredes returning to his original team, the Chicago Cubs, after a significant trade with the Tampa Bay Rays just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline. This move marks another chapter in Paredes' eventful career.
A Journey Retraced
Paredes originally entered the professional ranks through the Chicago Cubs, who signed him as an amateur. However, his journey has been anything but straightforward. He was first traded to the Detroit Tigers before making his way to the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, he's back where it all began, donning the Cubs' uniform once more at the age of 25.
A Noteworthy Profile
This season, Paredes showcases a slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) with 67 home runs over the course of 354 games. His offensive prowess places him in good company, trailing just behind standout third basemen such as Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+. Despite his low average exit velocity, which Statcast places in the 4th percentile, he's known for pulling more fly balls than any other player in the majors, according to Robert Orr's database.
However, Statcast estimates that if Paredes had been playing at Wrigley Field, he would have accumulated five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer over his career. Despite potential concerns about how his game might translate to his new home park, the Cubs clearly see untapped potential in him. Paredes' contract offers team control through the 2027 season, adding a long-term asset to their lineup. The Cubs are banking on Paredes to boost their batting performance and overall team dynamics significantly.
The Rays' Trade Moves
Since the beginning of July, the Rays have been actively reshaping their roster. In addition to trading Paredes, they’ve also parted ways with Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, and Jason Adam. Despite these moves, the Rays are only half a game worse in playoff positioning than during the infamous "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox. "Clearly, the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due," reflects on the Rays' management strategy.
Christopher Morel: A Promising Addition
Heading to the Rays in this trade is the promising Christopher Morel. At 25, Morel has already impressed analysts and fans alike. "Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years," claim the experts. His 90th percentile exit velocity aligns him with other notable hitters like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. The Rays might utilize Morel in various positions, including second base, left field, or as a designated hitter. As one expert put it, "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.'"
Additional Trade Components
Also part of the deal are Bigge and Johnson. Bigge, 26, has made four appearances in the majors this season with the Cubs, while Johnson, 22, was a recent selection from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round. These additions round out a trade that could have significant implications for both teams moving forward.
As the MLB season progresses, all eyes will be on Paredes and Morel, watching to see how they adapt to their new teams and the impact they make on their respective lineups. For the Cubs and Rays, this trade represents a strategy to balance present needs with future potential, an approach that could shape their destinies in the seasons to come.