Isaac Paredes Traded Back to Chicago Cubs: Inside the Blockbuster Deal with the Rays
In a move that has sent ripples through Major League Baseball, All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes is once more changing jerseys. The Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays have reached a significant agreement just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, bringing Paredes back to where his career began.
Back to Where it All Began
Paredes, who initially signed as an amateur with the Cubs, has seen his share of moves throughout his career. From Chicago, he was first traded to the Detroit Tigers and later moved to the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, at 25 years old, Paredes finds himself on his way back to the Windy City, carrying a wealth of experience from his stints with multiple teams.
A Stellar Performance Record
Paredes, known for his solid performance at the plate, boasts a slash line of .237/.340/.458 with 67 home runs over the span of 354 games. His 126 OPS+ ranks him just below top-tier third basemen like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado during the same period.
Despite these impressive stats, it's worth noting that Statcast's metrics rank his average exit velocity in the 4th percentile. Moreover, Robert Orr's database indicates that Paredes leads the majors in the share of fly balls he pulls. Statcast estimates that if Paredes had played at Wrigley Field, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer for his career. Nonetheless, his overall performance is undeniably strong, and the Cubs see great potential in his abilities.
Cubs' Strategic Move
The Cubs' decision to reacquire Paredes aims to enhance their batting power and overall team dynamics. Paredes' contract ensures team control through the 2027 season, providing a long-term asset for the Cubs. Analysts have expressed optimism about Paredes' potential impact. "Clearly, the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due," one insightful comment reflected on the Rays' management style regarding the trade.
The Tampa Bay Trade Carousel
The Rays, who won 99 games last season, have been active in the trade market. Since the start of July, Tampa Bay has traded several key players, including Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes. Despite these moves, the Rays are only half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the infamous "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox.
Incoming Talent
In exchange for Paredes, the Cubs included Christopher Morel in the deal, a promising batter who, at 25 years old, has shown significant potential. His 90th percentile exit velocity makes him comparable to sluggers like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. Analysts believe Morel is poised to be an above-average hitter for the foreseeable future. The Rays may strategically place him at second base, left field, or as a designated hitter. One expert noted, "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.'
Also part of the deal are Bigge, 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.
The Road Ahead
As the MLB world continues to reel from this high-profile trade, both the Cubs and the Rays eye their respective futures with optimism. For the Cubs, Paredes represents a powerful addition to their lineup, one with proven performance and significant potential. For the Rays, the incoming talent, coupled with their strategic player management, positions them strongly for sustained competitiveness.
With the trade deadline looming, this transaction underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Major League Baseball, where the landscape can shift in an instant with a single blockbuster move.