The Major League Baseball world is once again abuzz as All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes finds himself on the move. In a significant trade deal finalized just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays have swapped players, with Paredes returning to the franchise where he originally began his professional journey.
Paredes, 25, has demonstrated considerable prowess on the field since being first signed by the Cubs as an amateur. He was previously traded to the Detroit Tigers, followed by a stint with the Tampa Bay Rays, showcasing his adaptability across teams. Now, the Cubs are gaining back Paredes, a player whose track record speaks volumes.
A Strategic Move by the Cubs
For the Cubs, acquiring Paredes is a strategic move aimed at amplifying their batting strength and overall team dynamics. Paredes brings with him a notable slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) along with 67 home runs in 354 games, positioning him just behind some of MLB's top third basemen like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ during that span. His contract extends team control until 2027, offering the Cubs a secure and promising future with their revamped lineup.
Despite his impressive stats, Statcast metrics reveal that Paredes' average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile. Moreover, Robert Orr’s database highlights an interesting facet of Paredes' gameplay—he pulls a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors. Such tendencies will be a crucial aspect for the Cubs to consider, especially as Statcast estimates indicate that Paredes would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer for his career if he had played at Wrigley Field. Nonetheless, the Cubs are optimistic about unleashing his potential.
Tampa Bay's Remarkable Trades
In the meantime, the Rays have made a slew of notable trades since the start of July, offloading key players like Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and Isaac Paredes. Having come off a robust season with 99 wins, the Rays are currently just half a game behind in playoff positioning compared to the infamous "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox. The trade of Paredes and other central players signals a forward-thinking strategy by the Rays, aiming for sustained flexibility and future success.
Christopher Morel stands out as a promising addition in this exchange. The 25-year-old has demonstrated a 90th percentile exit velocity, making him comparable to players like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. Analysts note, "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 might strategically position Morel at second base, left field, or as a designated hitter to maximize his strengths without overly concerning themselves with potential defensive drawbacks. One expert opines, "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.'"
Players Adding Depth
Alongside Morel, the Cubs also traded Nick Bigge and Alex Johnson. Bigge, 26, has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, while Johnson, 22, a promising pick from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round, adds further depth to the Rays’ lineup. These additions indicate the Rays' intent to infuse youthful energy and build a robust roster for the coming seasons.
This trade, reflective of the daring and innovative approach of the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg, underscores their appreciation for trailblazers like Ron Schueler, whose fearless strategy paved the way for risk-taking and bold management decisions. As the midseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how both teams leverage their new assets to make significant strides in their respective divisional races.