The Major League Baseball world was recently sent into a whirl of activity with another significant move involving All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes. The Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays finalized a major trade just before the crucial July 30 trade deadline, sending Paredes back to the team that originally signed him as an amateur.
A Journey Back Home
Paredes' career has been one of numerous relocations. Initially signed by the Chicago Cubs as an amateur, he was later traded to the Detroit Tigers and eventually found his way to the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, at 25 years old, Paredes is returning to his first professional home in Chicago. His career thus far boasts a slash line of .237/.340/.458 and 67 home runs over 354 games, a performance that cements him as one of the league’s notable third basemen, trailing only behind big names like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ during his tenure.
However, Paredes' metrics also reveal some challenges. Statcast highlights that his average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile. Additionally, Robert Orr’s database underscores that Paredes pulls a higher share of fly balls than any other player in the majors. Intriguingly, Statcast estimates that if Paredes had been playing at Wrigley Field earlier, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer over his career. Despite these factors, the Cubs see potential in Paredes and value his versatility and capacity to impact their batting dynamics positively.
A Strategic Move by the Rays
The Rays' decision to trade Paredes fits into a broader strategy evident this season. Since the start of July, the Rays have made numerous high-profile trades, sending off key players like Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and Isaac Paredes. The Rays, who won an impressive 99 games last season, find themselves in a close battle for playoff positioning, only half a game worse off compared to the infamous "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox.
Reflecting on this aggressive trading approach, some insiders have noted, "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due." This perspective sheds light on the Rays' fearless and perhaps unorthodox management style.
The Cubs' New Acquisition
As part of the deal, the Cubs acquired Christopher Morel, another promising young talent. At 25 years old, Morel has already shown considerable promise with a 90th percentile exit velocity, making him comparable to players like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. The analysts are optimistic about Morel's potential, saying, "Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years." Such potential will be crucial for the Cubs as they aim to bolster their roster for upcoming seasons.
The Rays may utilize Morel in various roles including second base, left field, or designated hitter. One expert highlighted the Rays' potential approach, stating, "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.'
Additional Players in the Trade
In addition to Paredes and Morel, the trade also involves two other players. Bigge, 26, has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, showcasing potential worth developing further. Meanwhile, Johnson, 22, who was picked from Ball State in last summer's 15th round, is another talent to watch out for as he progresses through the ranks.
Overall, this trade represents a significant strategic maneuver for both the Cubs and the Rays. While Paredes returns to a familiar environment where he first signed, the Cubs gain promising talent in Morel, and the Rays continue to reinforce their roster with new additions, looking to stay competitive in the tightly contested baseball arena. The coming months will reveal how this trade impacts both teams, shaping their trajectories in the ongoing season and beyond.