The Chicago Cubs have made a significant roster move, acquiring All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for infielder Christopher Morel, along with prospects Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson. This trade marks a full-circle moment for Paredes, who originally signed with the Cubs as an international amateur free agent out of Mexico back in 2015.
Paredes Returns to the Cubs
Paredes, 24, has made a substantial impact with the Tampa Bay Rays, earning his first All-Star selection earlier this month. This season, Paredes boasts a .245/.357/.435 slash line, complemented by 16 home runs. His performance at the plate, characterized by a keen eye and power, is expected to bolster the Cubs' offense. "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," said an insider.
The acquisition of Paredes comes after a notable showing earlier in the day, where he went 0 for 2 with a walk in a win over the Cincinnati Reds. Despite the modest performance, Paredes' season numbers showcase his potential to be a game-changer for the Cubs as they seek to climb up the standings.
A Player with a Wide-Ranging Journey
Paredes' journey through Major League Baseball has been anything but conventional. After signing with the Cubs in 2015, he was later traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2017. It was with the Tigers that Paredes made his MLB debut, though he spent the 2020-2021 seasons fluctuating between the majors and minors. Prior to the 2022 season, Paredes was dealt to the Rays in exchange for Austin Meadows, a move that would eventually lead to his All-Star selection in 2023.
The Cubs, currently holding a 50-56 record and sitting six games out of a wild-card spot, are undoubtedly in need of a spark. The addition of Paredes could provide just that, as they aim to make a late-season push.
Moving Pieces
In sending Paredes to Chicago, the Rays acquire Christopher Morel, a promising yet inconsistent player. Morel’s current season statistics include a .199/.302/.372 slash line with 18 home runs. However, Morel has struggled defensively, ranking last among all players with minus-12 outs above average at third base. Despite his challenges, Morel remains under team control through 2028, potentially offering the Rays long-term value.
Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson are also part of the package heading to Tampa Bay. Bigge, 26, recently made his MLB debut and has been impressive in the minors, posting a 1.17 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings. Johnson, 22, has shown potential in Single-A with a 3.54 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 61 innings. These young arms could provide the Rays with pitching depth for the future.
Rays' Recent Moves
The trade of Paredes is the latest in a series of transactions by the Rays, who also parted ways with Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam recently. Currently holding a 54-52 record and 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot, the Rays appear to be retooling and looking towards the future while remaining competitive this season.
As both teams navigate the closing months of the season, the success of this trade will hinge on how well Paredes adapts to Wrigley Field and whether Morel and the young pitchers can contribute to the Rays' efforts.
For the Cubs, this trade signifies a commitment to winning now, hoping that Paredes can help bring immediate success. Meanwhile, the Rays' emphasis on long-term control and potential indicates a strategic approach as they aim to balance present competitiveness with future aspirations.