Isaac Paredes Returns to the Chicago Cubs in a High-Stakes Trade
The Major League Baseball world was recently abuzz with the news of a significant trade involving All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes. The Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays struck a deal just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, bringing Paredes back to where his professional journey began—Wrigley Field.
Paredes' path through MLB has been anything but linear. Initially signed by the Cubs as an amateur, he was later traded to the Detroit Tigers, then to the Rays, and now finds himself returning to the Cubs. At 25 years old, Paredes boasts a solid slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) with 67 home runs over 354 games. This performance places him just behind notable third basemen like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ during the same period.
Paredes' profile, however, reveals some intriguing contrasts. His average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile according to Statcast's metrics, but he compensates with an impressive knack for pulling fly balls. Robert Orr's database highlights that Paredes pulls a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors. Nevertheless, Statcast estimates that if Paredes had played all his games at Wrigley Field, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer over his career.
The Cubs, however, remain undeterred. They see considerable potential in Paredes and have secured his services through the 2027 season, hoping that his addition will boost their batting capacity and overall team dynamics. "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due," said one insider, reflecting on the Rays' management style.
In exchange for Paredes, the Cubs parted ways with promising batter Christopher Morel, who, like Paredes, is also 25 years old. Morel's impressive 90th percentile exit velocity likens him to players like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. Dubbed by analysts as "a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years," Morel could be the key piece the Rays need. "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,'" remarked one expert.
Additionally, the deal involves Bigge, a 26-year-old who has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, and Johnson, a 22-year-old recent pick from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round. This trade signifies a bold move for both franchises as they look to shake things up at a critical juncture in the season.
Since the start of July, the Rays have traded away several key players, including Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes. Despite winning 99 games last season, the Rays find themselves only half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox. This recent spate of trades suggests that the Rays are willing to make daring decisions in pursuit of long-term success.
As the Cubs welcome Paredes back to their lineup, expectations are high. The team's front office is confident that Paredes can provide a much-needed boost to their batting performance while contributing to their defensive setup. The move reflects the Cubs' commitment to strengthening their roster as they eye postseason contention.
In the dynamic landscape of MLB, trades of such magnitude underline the constant quest for a competitive edge. With Isaac Paredes' return to the Cubs and Christopher Morel's potential debut in Tampa Bay, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how these changes play out on the field.