The Major League Baseball universe experienced seismic tremors late July as the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays executed a high-profile trade involving All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes. This marked another twist in Paredes' career, who originally inked a deal with the Cubs as an amateur.
Isaac Paredes: A Career on the Move
Paredes' journey through the MLB has been a rollercoaster. Initially signed by the Cubs, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers before moving on to the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, he's coming full circle, returning to the Cubs as they aim to bolster their lineup ahead of the playoff push.
At 25 years old, Paredes presents a valuable asset. Over 354 games, he's posted a slash line of .237/.340/.458 with 67 home runs and a 126 OPS+. His performance puts him in elite company, ranking just behind Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ among regular third basemen during that period.
Yet, there are some areas of concern. Statcast's metrics show Paredes' average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile, a significant red flag for the analytics-minded. Additionally, analyst Robert Orr notes that Paredes pulls a higher share of fly balls than any other player in the league. Statcast estimates that if Paredes had played at Wrigley Field, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer over his career.
Cubs Betting on Potential and Control
The Cubs' front office clearly sees Paredes as a player worth the investment. His current contract offers team control through the 2027 season, giving the Cubs ample time to work on his development and integrate him into their long-term plans. The hope is Paredes can inject new vigor into their batting lineup and overall team dynamics.
Despite some mixed metrics, the Cubs see potential in Paredes. His talent and youth make him a promising addition to a team looking to compete at the highest levels. The Cubs' management is banking on his ability to contribute offensively while they work on mitigating his defensive inconsistencies.
A Busy Period for the Rays
For the Rays, this trade is part of a broader strategy that has seen a flurry of activity. Since the start of July, Tampa Bay has traded away key players including Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes. Despite such significant roster changes, the Rays remain in a strong playoff position, only half a game worse off than the 1997 Chicago White Sox following their infamous "White Flag Trade."
Expert observers note that the Rays' management style mirrors that of bold, calculated risk-takers. "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due," one insider commented regarding the Rays' aggressive trade strategy.
Key Additions: Morel and Johnson
As part of this deal, the Rays welcome Christopher Morel, a promising batter who also offers positional flexibility. At 25, Morel is known for his impressive 90th percentile exit velocity, drawing comparisons to established hitters like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. Analysts observe, "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 deploy Morel 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.'"
Additionally, the Rays acquired Bigge, a 26-year-old who has made four big-league appearances with the Cubs this season, and Johnson, a 22-year-old recent draft pick from Ball State.
Conclusion
This trade, reverberating through the MLB landscape, highlights the complexities and strategic maneuvers that define the sport. As Paredes returns to the Cubs, both franchises are making calculated bets on their future, hoping that these moves will pay dividends in the seasons to come.