The Major League Baseball world witnessed a seismic shift as All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes is once again on the move. In a significant trade agreed just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays have reshaped their rosters.
Paredes, originally signed by the Cubs as an amateur, finds himself returning to the Windy City. The journey of the 25-year-old third baseman has been nothing short of a whirlwind, having previously been traded to the Detroit Tigers and subsequently to the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, he makes his way back to Chicago in what promises to be a strategic acquisition for the Cubs.
With a slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) and 67 home runs over 354 games, Paredes has firmly established himself as an impactful hitter. His performance ranks him just behind notable names like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in terms of OPS+ among regular third basemen during this span.
However, it's not all positive metrics for Paredes. Statcast's metrics place his average exit velocity in the 4th percentile, raising some concerns about his hitting power. Moreover, Robert Orr’s database indicates that Paredes pulls a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors. This tendency, combined with Statcast estimates, suggests a potential dip in his home run tally if he had played at Wrigley Field—an estimated five fewer this season and 12 fewer over his career.
Cubs See Potential in Paredes
Despite these nuances, the Cubs see a genuine opportunity in Paredes. His contract offers team control through the 2027 season, providing a long-term prospect for the franchise. The Cubs are adding Paredes to bolster their batting capacity and overall team dynamics, a move that could elevate their competitiveness in the coming seasons.
The trade reflects a bold strategy by the Cubs as they navigate a competitive market. Including promising players like Christopher Morel indicates their commitment to building a robust and dynamic lineup. Morel, also 25, presents as a valuable addition. His 90th percentile exit velocity places him in the same league as power hitters such as Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. Analysts comment, "Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years."
Rays' Aggressive Moves Continue
For the Rays, the trade of Paredes marks yet another significant move since the start of July. The team has parted ways with notable players like Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, and Jason Adam. Last season, the Rays clinched 99 victories, underlining their competitive edge. However, despite their aggressive trade activities, their current playoff positioning is only half a game worse compared to the infamous "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox.
As part of the deal, Morel might find himself positioned at second base, left field, or designated hitter with the Rays. "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,'" commented one expert, highlighting the Rays' focus on Morel's offensive potential over defensive capabilities.
Additionally, the trade sees the inclusion of other promising prospects. Bigge, 26, has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, showcasing potential in a limited scope. Johnson, 22, a recent pick from Ball State in last summer's 15th round, adds to the depth of the Rays' roster.
"Clearly, the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due," reflects one insight on the Rays' management style. This trade strategy reflects their bold approach to team building and competitive play.
As the MLB community digests this blockbuster trade, both the Cubs and Rays will be closely watched in the coming months. Each team, with its distinct strategy, is poised to make waves as the season progresses.