Isaac Paredes Returns to the Chicago Cubs
In a move that has sent ripples through the Major League Baseball world, the Chicago Cubs have acquired All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays. The trade, agreed upon just before the July 30 trade deadline, marks yet another significant chapter in Paredes' already eventful career.
Paredes' connection with the Cubs dates back to his early days when he was signed as an amateur. However, his journey took several detours as he was traded to the Detroit Tigers and later to the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, at 25, Paredes finds himself back in Chicago, poised to make an impact on a team eager for a boost in batting strength.
Paredes has proven himself to be a reliable performer, boasting a slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) along with 67 home runs over 354 games. This performance places him just behind elite third basemen like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in terms of OPS+ during that span. Despite these impressive numbers, there's one concerning statistic: his average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile according to Statcast's metrics. Additionally, Statcast estimates that if Paredes had played at Wrigley Field, he would have amassed five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer over his career.
One of the reasons the Cubs remain optimistic about Paredes is his contract, which provides team control through the 2027 season. This gives the Cubs plenty of time to harness Paredes' potential and integrate him into their overall team dynamics. The Cubs see Paredes as a significant asset, particularly for boosting their batting capacity.
In trading Paredes, the Rays have also made substantial roster changes in recent weeks. Since the start of July, the team has traded not only Paredes but also Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, and Jason Adam. Despite winning 99 games last season, the Rays find themselves only half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the infamous "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox.
Christopher Morel, a promising 25-year-old batter, is also part of the deal. Morel's 90th percentile exit velocity makes him comparable to players like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. Analysts suggest 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 place Morel at second base, left field, or utilize him as a designated hitter. 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.'"
The trade also includes two other Cubs' prospects: 26-year-old Bigge, who has made four big-league appearances this season, and 22-year-old Johnson, a recent pick from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round.
This trade underscores the aggressive strategies of both the Cubs and Rays as they navigate the latter part of the season. As one observer noted, "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due," reflecting on the Rays' bold management style.
For Cubs fans, the return of Isaac Paredes brings a mixture of hope and anticipation. The young third baseman's potential, combined with the strategic advantage of his long-term contract, offers the team a promising future. Meanwhile, the Rays' willingness to make bold moves underscores their confidence in their long-term vision, even as they reshuffle their roster. All eyes will be on how these changes play out in the final stretch of the season.