The Major League Baseball world was shaken as All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes is once again on the move. This significant trade, announced just ahead of the July 30 deadline, sends Paredes back to the Chicago Cubs from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Paredes' journey in MLB has been a circuitous one. Originally signed by the Cubs as an amateur, he was later traded to the Detroit Tigers and subsequently moved to the Rays. Now, in an unexpected twist, Paredes finds himself returning to his original team.
The 25-year-old third baseman has showcased impressive skills with a slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) and 67 home runs in 354 games. This performance places him just behind the elite group of Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ among regular third basemen during that span. Despite his accolades, Paredes' average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile, suggesting there is room for improvement.
Trade Details and Implications
The move involves several key players, signaling a shift in strategy for both teams. Christopher Morel, a promising batter, is part of the deal going to the Rays. At 25 years old, Morel's 90th percentile exit velocity makes him comparable to Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. Analysts believe, "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 may deploy Morel at second base, left field, or as a designated hitter. As one expert noted, "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.'" This flexibility could be a game-changer for Tampa Bay.
Cubs’ Perspective
The Cubs see immense potential in Paredes, whose contract offers team control through the 2027 season. This long-term control allows the Cubs to bolster their batting capacity and overall team dynamics. Adding Paredes to their roster is a strategic move aimed at both immediate and future success.
However, Statcast estimates that if Paredes had played at Wrigley Field, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer for his career. This detail does pose some questions about his offensive output in the Cubs' home park. Yet, the Cubs are optimistic, recognizing Paredes' potential to make a significant impact despite these metrics.
Rays' Recent Moves
Since the start of July, the Rays have been active in the trade market, dealing notable players including Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes. Despite winning 99 games last season, Tampa Bay's management appears to be in a period of transition.
Interestingly, 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 reflects on their willingness to take bold steps. As one insight put it, "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due."
Additional Players in the Trade
Besides Paredes and Morel, the trade includes a couple of other players. Bigge, 26, has made four big-league appearances with the Cubs this season. Johnson, a recent pick from Ball State, was selected in the 15th round of last summer’s draft and is just 22 years old. Both players add depth to the Rays' roster and have potential for development under the Rays' system.
This trade is a multifaceted one with potential implications for both teams. While the Cubs aim to leverage Paredes' strengths to boost their lineup, the Rays are banking on Morel's offensive capabilities and positional flexibility. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how this trade influences both teams' trajectories.