The Chicago Cubs have made a significant move ahead of the MLB trade deadline by acquiring All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays. In exchange, the Cubs sent infielder Christopher Morel, right-handed pitcher Hunter Bigge, and prospect Ty Johnson to the Rays.
Paredes' Performance and Potential
Isaac Paredes, known for his solid bat and defensive prowess, has been a standout player this season. Currently hitting .245/.357/.435 with 16 home runs, Paredes has demonstrated his capability to make a substantial impact at the plate. The move reunites him with the Cubs, an organization that originally signed him as an international amateur free agent out of Mexico in 2015.
This trade marks Paredes’ return to the Cubs after a series of transactions that saw him move to the Detroit Tigers in 2017 and later to the Tampa Bay Rays before the 2022 season. Paredes’ journey has seen him fluctuate between the majors and minors from 2020 to 2021, punctuated by his Major League debut with the Tigers. Despite these changes, he earned the distinction of being selected as the Rays' representative in the All-Star Game earlier this month.
Immediate Impact
On the day of the trade, Paredes played in a game against the Cincinnati Reds, recording a 0 for 2 performance and a walk. 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." Given Wrigley Field's hitter-friendly dimensions, Paredes' approach at the plate could see a significant payoff for the Cubs, who are currently 50-56 and six games out of a wild-card spot.
Outgoing Talent
In return for Paredes, the Cubs parted with Christopher Morel, who had been struggling this season, slashing .199/.302/.372 with 18 home runs. Morel has faced challenges defensively as well, ranking last among all players with minus-12 outs above average at third base. Despite his struggles, Morel will remain under team control through 2028, providing the Rays with a long-term asset who can be developed further.
Alongside Morel, the Rays have acquired Hunter Bigge, a 26-year-old pitcher who made his MLB debut earlier this season. Bigge has been impressive in the minors, posting a 1.17 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings. The inclusion of Ty Johnson, a 22-year-old with a 3.54 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 61 innings in Single-A, offers the Rays additional pitching depth and future potential.
Rays' Recent Trades
The Rays, currently 54-52 and 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot, have been active in reshaping their roster. In addition to the Paredes trade, they recently traded Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam. These moves indicate a strategic adjustment as they aim to stay competitive in a tough American League East division.
For the Cubs, the acquisition of Paredes is a strategic move designed to strengthen their lineup and address their defensive needs at third base. The trade signifies their belief in Paredes’ potential contributions both offensively and defensively, and it provides an optimistic outlook for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, the Rays continue their efforts to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term development through calculated trades.