Cubs Acquire All-Star Third Baseman Isaac Paredes in Trade with Rays
In a significant mid-season move, the Chicago Cubs have acquired Isaac Paredes, the All-Star third baseman from the Tampa Bay Rays, sending Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge, and Ty Johnson in exchange. This trade marks a homecoming of sorts for Paredes, who initially signed with the Cubs as an international amateur free agent out of Mexico in 2015 before departing in a 2017 trade to the Detroit Tigers.
Paredes' Journey to Chicago
Paredes, who has shown a penchant for resilience and adaptation throughout his career, made his MLB debut with the Tigers before being traded to the Rays prior to the 2022 season in exchange for Austin Meadows. His fluctuating stints between the majors and minors between 2020 and 2021 didn't deter his performance. This season, Paredes boasts a solid .245/.357/.435 slash line with 16 home runs, underscoring his value as a reliable hitter.
Selected as the Rays' All-Star representative earlier this month, Paredes continues to display his high-level capabilities. Even in his last game for Tampa Bay, he maintained his discipline at the plate, notching a walk in a win over the Cincinnati Reds, even though he ended up 0 for 2.
A Boost to the Cubs
The Cubs, currently 50-56 and six games out of a wild-card spot, are evidently betting on Paredes’ ability to invigorate their lineup and fortify their defense. An insider remarked, "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." The need for strengthening the third base was pressing, considering Christopher Morel's struggles this season, both offensively and defensively.
Morel, who posted a .199/.302/.372 slash line with 18 home runs, has also been a defensive liability, ranking last among all players with minus-12 outs above average at third base. Despite Morel remaining under team control through 2028, his current performance couldn’t assure the Cubs of steady results, making Paredes a valuable addition.
What the Rays Receive
In exchange, the Rays are acquiring promising talent. Christopher Morel, while currently inconsistent, has shown flashes of potential and will be under team control for several years, offering the Rays long-term flexibility. Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson bolster the Rays’ pitching depth. Bigge, 26, made his MLB debut earlier this season and has impressed in the minors with a 1.17 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings. Johnson, 22, has a 3.54 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 61 innings in Single-A, indicating a promising future.
The State of the Rays
The Rays, currently 54-52 and 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot, have been active in the trade market, moving established players like Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam recently. This strategy seems geared towards reshaping their roster for future competitiveness while staying within striking distance of playoff contention.
Looking Forward
For the Cubs, Paredes' return to the organization symbolizes both a nod to their scouting acumen and a pivotal step towards bolstering their current lineup. As the season progresses, the Cubs' faithful will be keenly watching to see if Paredes’ All-Star form can spark a late-season surge and bring the team closer to a coveted playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Rays' fans will have their eyes on how the newly acquired talents, especially Morel, integrate and perform as the club navigates through the remainder of the season.