The Chicago Cubs made waves in the baseball world today by acquiring All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays. In return, the Cubs sent Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge, and Ty Johnson to Tampa.
Paredes appeared in a game for the Rays earlier today against the Cincinnati Reds, going 0 for 2 with a walk. This season, Paredes is hitting .245/.357/.435 with 16 home runs, establishing himself as a solid offensive performer. Recently selected as the Rays' All-Star representative, Paredes brings both a strong bat and defensive prowess to the Cubs' lineup. Originally signed by the Cubs as an international amateur free agent out of Mexico in 2015, Paredes' career has come full circle with this trade.
From Prospect to Pro
Paredes was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2017, where he made his MLB debut. Over the next couple of years, he fluctuated between the majors and minors, honing his skills and solidifying his place in professional baseball. Before the 2022 season, Paredes was once again traded, this time to the Rays in exchange for Austin Meadows. It's noteworthy that Paredes’ constant transitions have not hindered his development; instead, he has emerged as a reliable and impactful player.
Cubs' Strategic Move
The Cubs see significant potential in Paredes' extreme pulled fly-ball approach, which they believe will translate well to the hitter-friendly confines of Wrigley Field. "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," an insider commented. At a time when the Cubs are 50-56 and six games out of a wild-card spot, bolstering their infield with a player of Paredes’ caliber might provide the spark they need for a postseason push.
Departing Players
Going to the Rays are Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge, and Ty Johnson. Morel, who is slashing .199/.302/.372 with 18 home runs this season, has struggled defensively, ranking last among all players with minus-12 outs above average at third base. Nevertheless, he remains a player with potential and will remain under team control through 2028, giving the Rays ample time to develop his talent further.
Hunter Bigge, a 26-year-old pitcher, made his MLB debut earlier this season. He has shown promise with a 1.17 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings in the minors. Bigge's addition to Tampa's pitching roster could bolster their bullpen depth.
Ty Johnson, 22, is currently in Single-A and has pitched to a 3.54 ERA with 81 strikeouts in 61 innings. While still developing, Johnson's future with the Rays looks promising as his performance in the minors indicates a steady progression.
The Rays' Current Standpoint
The Rays, now 54-52 and 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot, have been active in the trade market recently. Besides acquiring Morel, Bigge, and Johnson from the Cubs, they have traded away key players like Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam. This marks a period of transition for the team as they recalibrate their roster in the hopes of securing a postseason berth.
The trade for Paredes is part of a broader strategy anticipated by many analysts. By committing to strong offensive and defensive talent at third base, the Cubs have positioned themselves strategically for both immediate impact and future growth. As the season progresses, the effectiveness of these roster moves will undoubtedly become clearer.