Cubs Acquire Rays' All-Star Isaac Paredes in Trade Deal
In a significant mid-season move, the Chicago Cubs have acquired All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays. The deal saw the Cubs part with Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge, and Ty Johnson, aiming to bolster their infield with the addition of Paredes.
Isaac Paredes' Performance and Career So Far
Paredes joined the Cubs after a solid season with the Rays, where he is currently hitting .245/.357/.435 and has notched 16 home runs. On the same day as the trade, Paredes played in a game against the Cincinnati Reds, recording a 0 for 2 performance along with a walk. His performance this season earned him a selection as the Rays' All-Star representative earlier this month, highlighting his value and impact in the league.
The 24-year-old Paredes has a familiar tie to Chicago, originally signing with the Cubs as an international amateur free agent out of Mexico in 2015. However, his journey took him to the Detroit Tigers in 2017, where he made his MLB debut. Between 2020 and 2021, Paredes oscillated between the majors and minors before being traded to the Rays prior to the 2022 season in exchange for Austin Meadows.
The Cubs' Perspective
The Cubs, currently sitting at 50-56 and six games out of a wild-card spot, are clearly aiming to boost their roster with Paredes' acquisition. An insider revealed, "Clearly, the Cubs believe Paredes' extreme pulled fly-ball approach will translate well to Wrigley Field, and they also get a capable third baseman defensively." This strategic move indicates the Cubs' intention to solidify their infield while adding a player with a potent bat and a proven track record.
Paredes' return to the Cubs organization offers a full-circle narrative, and the team is hopeful that his current form will provide the spark needed to turn their season around.
Christopher Morel's Departure
In exchange for Paredes, the Cubs have parted with third baseman Christopher Morel, who has experienced a challenging season. Morel's offensive performance stands at a .199/.302/.372 slash line with 18 home runs. Defensively, he ranks last among all players with minus-12 outs above average at third base, indicating struggles in the field. Despite his current metrics, Morel remains a player under team control through 2028, providing the Rays with a long-term developmental prospect.
Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson's Potential
The trade package also included Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson, two young pitchers with promising potential. Bigge, 26, made his MLB debut earlier this season and has posted an impressive 1.17 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings in the minors. Meanwhile, Johnson, 22, holds a 3.54 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 61 innings in Single-A, showcasing his capabilities as a developing pitcher.
Rays' Recent Moves and Current Standing
The Rays, currently 54-52 and 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot, have been active in the trade market. Recently, the Rays have traded notable players such as Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam. The decision to trade Paredes is a continuation of the team's strategy to reconfigure their roster mid-season.
With Paredes moving to the Cubs, it will be intriguing to see how both teams adapt and benefit from this significant trade as they approach the latter half of the season. For the Cubs, the return of a familiar face with an All-Star caliber may be just the boost they need to make a late push for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Rays will look to develop their new acquisitions and continue their pursuit of a wild-card spot.