The Major League Baseball world was given a jolt as All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes is once again on the move. Marking yet another twist in his career, Paredes has been traded back to the Chicago Cubs in a significant deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.
Paredes' Journey Continues
Paredes, originally signed by the Cubs as an amateur, later found himself traded to the Detroit Tigers and then to the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, he's back where it all began. At 25 years old, Paredes has made quite an impression in his MLB journey. Over the course of 354 games, he has a slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) with 67 home runs. This performance places him notably right behind the likes of Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ among regular third basemen during that span.
Critical Metrics and Potential
While Paredes’ average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile, his ability to pull a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors does not go unnoticed. Robert Orr's database confirms this critical attribute of his performance. However, Statcast estimates paint a less flattering picture, suggesting that if Paredes had played at Wrigley Field, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer for his career.
Despite these stats, the Cubs see immense potential in Paredes. His contract offers the Cubs team control through the 2027 season, indicating that the team is adding him with an eye on long-term growth and boosting their batting capacity and overall team dynamics.
The Larger Context: Tampa Bay Rays and Their Trades
The trade is part of a broader strategy by the Tampa Bay Rays, who have been particularly active this season. Since the start of July, the Rays have traded high-profile players such as Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes. Coming off a season with 99 wins, the Rays are only half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the notorious "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox.
Reflecting on the Rays' management style, an insight notes, "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due." The Rays' aggressive trading approach clearly showcases a bold strategy in maintaining and potentially reshaping the team’s roster.
The Influx of New Talent: Christopher Morel and More
As part of the Paredes deal, the Cubs sent Christopher Morel to Tampa Bay. Also 25, Morel presents as a promising batter, boasting a 90th percentile exit velocity that makes him comparable to Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. Analysts have said, "Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years." For the Rays, Morel's versatility is a valuable asset. “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,'" commented one expert.
Adding to the deal, Bigge, 26, who has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, and Johnson, 22, a recent pick from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round, were also part of the trade package.
Overall, this trade underscores the Cubs' ambition to enhance their lineup with a talented and versatile player like Paredes, while the Rays continue to tactically reconfigure their roster with a mix of seasoned and up-and-coming talent.
As the MLB trade deadline looms and teams position themselves for the rest of the season, the impact of this deal will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The return of Isaac Paredes to the Cubs fold and the introduction of Christopher Morel to the Rays adds an intriguing layer to the unfolding baseball narrative.