The Major League Baseball landscape experienced a seismic shift as the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays finalized a notable trade right before the July 30 trade deadline. All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes, who had been with the Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and most recently, the Rays, is making a return to Chicago.
Paredes, originally signed by the Cubs as an amateur, has had a career marked by significant transitions. He first moved to the Detroit Tigers, then to the Tampa Bay Rays, and now he finds himself back with his original team, the Chicago Cubs. At 25 years old, Paredes brings with him an impressive track record, including a slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) and 67 home runs over 354 games.
Performance-wise, Paredes stands just behind elite third basemen like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+. However, it's important to note that his average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile, according to Statcast's metrics, raising some concerns. Additionally, Robert Orr's database reveals that Paredes pulls more fly balls than any other player in the majors, which could be a double-edged sword depending on the stadium dimensions he plays in. 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.
A Strategic Acquisition
The Cubs, however, see immense potential in Paredes. With a contract offering team control through the 2027 season, this move is part of a broader strategy to bolster their batting capacity and enhance overall team dynamics. The Cubs' decision-makers are optimistic about what Paredes can add to their lineup, especially considering his contract security and offensive capabilities.
Rays' Bold Moves
The Rays are not strangers to making bold, often surprising moves. Since the start of July, Tampa Bay has traded away key players like Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes. Reflecting on the Rays' management style, one insight stated, "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due."
The Rays, who won 99 games last season, remain just half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the infamous "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox. This aggressive trading approach underlines their unorthodox, yet calculated, strategy of shaking up the roster to maintain their competitive edge.
Key Players in the Trade
As part of the deal, the Cubs are sending Christopher Morel to the Rays. At 25 years old, Morel is seen as a promising batter. His 90th percentile exit velocity puts him on par with established hitters like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. Analysts have high hopes for Morel, noting, "Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years." The Rays might deploy Morel at second base, left field, or even as a designated hitter, with one expert suggesting that 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.'"
In addition to Morel, the Cubs included Bigge and Johnson in the trade. Bigge, 26, has made four big-league appearances this season, while Johnson, 22, was recently drafted from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round. These players might provide the Rays with depth and future potential, aligning with their long-term strategy of nurturing talent.
As the trade saga unfolds, Cubs fans can look forward to seeing Isaac Paredes back in Chicago, while Rays supporters will be eager to witness how the new additions blend into their team. The dynamics of MLB continue to keep fans and analysts on their toes, anticipating the ripple effects of each pivotal move.