The Major League Baseball world is no stranger to trades and sudden shifts, but the recent move involving All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes has rattled the sport. The Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays agreed on a significant trade just ahead of the July 30 deadline, marking yet another chapter in the career of the 25-year-old slugger.
Paredes' Journey So Far
Originally signed by the Cubs as an amateur, Isaac Paredes' journey in MLB has been a whirlwind. After his initial stint with the Cubs, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers, only to be subsequently traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. In an almost poetic twist of fate, Paredes finds himself returning to Chicago, the very place where his professional career began.
Boasting a slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) with 67 home runs over 354 games, Paredes' performance has placed him just behind notable third basemen like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in terms of OPS+ during that span. Despite his prowess at the plate, Statcast metrics indicate his average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile, an intriguing detail for analysts and fans alike. Additionally, Robert Orr's database highlights Paredes as the player who pulls a greater share of fly balls than anyone else in the majors. This unique hitting style has had implications on his statistics, with Statcast estimating that had Paredes played at Wrigley Field, his home run count would be five fewer this season and 12 fewer over his career.
The Cubs' Perspective
The Cubs' decision to bring Paredes back into the fold isn't just about nostalgia; it’s a strategic move. "The Cubs see potential in Paredes," an insider notes, emphasizing that his contract offers the team control through the 2027 season. This long-term view suggests that the Cubs are looking to bolster their batting capacity and overall team dynamics, betting on Paredes' ability to enhance their offensive lineup.
Shake-Up in Tampa Bay
The trade is also significant for the Rays, who have been active in the trade market since the start of July. In addition to Paredes, the team has traded away key players like Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, and Jason Adam. Despite winning 99 games last season, the Rays are just half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox. This indicates a bold restructuring phase for the Rays, which some analysts describe as fearless. "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due," reflects an insider, drawing a parallel to past bold moves in the sport.
Morel and Additional Players in the Mix
The trade wasn’t a one-for-one deal; Christopher Morel, a promising batter at 25 years old with a 90th percentile exit velocity, is part of this significant exchange. Comparisons to Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson highlight Morel’s potential. Analysts suggest, "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 utilize Morel in various positions, potentially placing him at second base, left field, or as a designated hitter, with one expert noting, "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.'"
Alongside Morel, the trade package includes Bigge, a 26-year-old who has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, and Johnson, a recent pick from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round. These additions reflect the Rays' focus on building a versatile and promising roster for the future.
The trade of Isaac Paredes back to the Chicago Cubs is a classic MLB storyline filled with potential, strategy, and a touch of nostalgia. Both teams appear to be positioning themselves for success, albeit through different lenses. For fans and analysts, it’s yet another reason to keep a close watch as the season progresses.