The Chicago Cubs made a significant move by acquiring All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge, and Ty Johnson. This trade marks Paredes' return to the organization that initially signed him as an international amateur free agent out of Mexico back in 2015.
Welcome Back, Paredes
Isaac Paredes has been having a noteworthy season, reflected in his .245/.357/.435 slash line with 16 home runs. As a testament to his performance, he was selected as the Rays' All-Star representative earlier this month. Paredes played in a game against the Cincinnati Reds earlier on the day of the trade, going 0-for-2 with a walk.
Paredes' journey in Major League Baseball has been eventful. After originally signing with the Cubs, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2017, where he made his MLB debut. His career with the Tigers saw him oscillate between the majors and minors from 2020 to 2021. Prior to the 2022 season, he was traded to the Rays in exchange for Austin Meadows, setting the stage for his All-Star season.
The Cubs' Perspective
For the Cubs, this acquisition is a calculated move. According to an insider, "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." This suggests that the Cubs see Paredes not only as an offensive asset but also as a reliable player on the field.
The Cubs' current standing in the league, at 50-56 and six games out of a wild-card spot, indicates a necessity for strategic improvements. Paredes could be the spark the team needs to make a late-season push.
Farewell to Morel, Bigge, and Johnson
In exchange for Paredes, the Cubs parted with Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge, and Ty Johnson. Morel has had a challenging season, slashing .199/.302/.372 with 18 home runs, and ranks last among all players in outs above average at third base. Despite these struggles, Morel remains under team control through 2028, providing the Rays with a potential long-term asset.
Hunter Bigge, at 26 years old, made his MLB debut earlier this season. In the minors, he boasts a 1.17 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings, signaling strong potential. Ty Johnson, 22, has been performing well in Single-A with a 3.54 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 61 innings. Both players could develop into key contributors for Tampa Bay.
Rays' Recent Moves
For the Rays, this trade is part of a broader strategy. Currently 54-52 and 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot, the team has been active in the trade market, recently dealing Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam. These moves signify a shift in the Rays' approach as they look to retool their roster and strengthen various facets of their team.
The trade for Isaac Paredes could prove pivotal for the Cubs as they seek to rejuvenate their lineup and enhance their defensive capabilities at third base. As both teams look ahead to the remainder of the season, this trade could become a defining moment in their respective campaigns.