The Major League Baseball world was shaken recently 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. This move marks another chapter in the ongoing saga of Paredes' career, who at just 25 years old has already experienced quite a journey across MLB teams.
Paredes was initially signed by the Cubs as an amateur before being traded to the Detroit Tigers. His tenure with the Tigers was followed by a stint with the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, in a full-circle moment, Paredes is heading back to where his professional journey began – the Chicago Cubs.
Cub's Strategic Acquisition
Isaac Paredes brings with him an impressive slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) and 67 home runs over the course of 354 games. His performance places him amongst the top echelon of third basemen, just behind stars like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ during that span. Paredes’ return is a calculated decision by the Cubs, who see significant potential in boosting their batting capacity and overall team dynamics.
Though Paredes' average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile according to Statcast’s metrics, Robert Orr's database indicates that he pulls a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors. This distinctive hitting style gives him a unique edge that the Cubs are likely eager to harness. However, there are some caveats. Statcast estimates suggest that if Paredes had played at Wrigley Field, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer over his career.
The Cubs appear undeterred by these statistics, perhaps buoyed by the extended team control Paredes' contract offers through the 2027 season. With Paredes, they are getting not only a seasoned hitter but also a player with years of potential development still ahead.
The Tampa Bay Rays' Bold Moves
The trade also sheds light on the Tampa Bay Rays' strategic maneuvers. Since the start of July, the Rays have traded a slew of prominent players, including Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes. The Rays won 99 games last season and are positioned only half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the “White Flag Trade” executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox. Clearly, the organization is making bold moves, echoed by an insight which notes, "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due."
New Faces at the Rays
In exchange for Paredes, the Cubs are sending promising batter Christopher Morel, who, at 25, brings considerable upside to the Rays. Morel's 90th percentile exit velocity makes him comparable to players like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. The Rays may want to use him at second base, left field, or designated hitter. As one expert suggests, "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.'"
Moreover, the trade package includes Bigge, who at 26 has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, and Johnson, a 22-year-old recent pick from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round.
This trade embodies the strategic acumen of both teams. The Cubs are focusing on a tried-and-tested player, banking on Paredes' proven albeit evolving prowess, while the Rays continue their pattern of bold, forward-looking moves, perhaps taking calculated risks on emerging talents. Analysts see promise in Morel, commenting, "Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years."
Conclusion
As the baseball world watches, the outcomes of these trades will unfold in the coming seasons. Paredes’ return to the Cubs, combined with the Rays' bold strategy, ensures that both teams remain in the spotlight. Whether these moves will lead to immediate success or pave the way for a future payoff remains one of the season's most intriguing narratives.