A Blockbuster Move: Isaac Paredes Returns to Cubs Amidst Rays' Trade Fever
The Major League Baseball world was once again set abuzz as All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes finds himself on the roster of the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays finalized a significant trade just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, sending waves through the baseball community.
Paredes' transaction history is nothing short of a rollercoaster. Originally signed as an amateur by the Cubs, he was later traded to the Detroit Tigers. Following his stint there, he donned the Tampa Bay Rays' jersey, only to circle back to his initial team—the Cubs. At 25, Paredes' return to the Cubs is laden with expectations and optimism.
Paredes boasts a slash line of .237/.340/.458 alongside 67 home runs over 354 games. His performance, marked by a notable 126 OPS+, places him just behind heavyweights like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ among regular third basemen during that span. Despite these impressive stats, there's a wrinkle in Paredes' game. His average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile according to Statcast’s metrics, a figure that some might find concerning.
Interestingly, Robert Orr's database reveals that Paredes pulls a larger share of fly balls than any other player in the majors. Statcast further estimates that had Paredes played at Wrigley Field, he would have hit five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer over his career. This statistic could have been a factor for consideration in his multiple trades.
Nonetheless, the Cubs are hopeful. They see immense potential in Paredes, with his contract binding him to the team through the 2027 season. The Cubs aim to harness his batting capability to boost their offensive lineup and overall team dynamics.
This trade is part of a larger trend observed with the Rays since the onset of July. The Rays have been active on the trading front, with notable departures including Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes. This flurry of trades might be surprising considering the Rays' formidable performance last season, winning 99 games. Despite these moves, their positioning in the playoff hunt remains only half a game worse compared to the historic "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox.
Part of the deal bringing Paredes to the Cubs involves sending Christopher Morel to the Rays. Morel is another promising talent at 25 years old. Known for his robust 90th percentile exit velocity, Morel draws comparisons to batters like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. Analysts are optimistic about Morel, noting, "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 have several potential placements for Morel, with possibilities including second base, left field, or designated hitter. One expert suggested, "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.'"
Rounding out the trade, the Rays also received Bigge, 26, who has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, and Johnson, 22, a recent pick from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round. These additions indicate the Rays' intent to balance immediate performance with future potential.
Reflecting on the Rays' management style, one insight stands out: "Clearly, the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due." This suggests that the Rays' aggressive trading strategy might be inspired by a broader vision, one that embraces risk and potential long-term payoffs.
As the dust settles on this high-profile trade, the baseball community eagerly anticipates how these changes will impact both teams in the coming seasons. With Paredes now back in familiar territory and Morel ready to showcase his talent in Tampa Bay, all eyes will be on the diamonds of Chicago and Tampa Bay as the players take their new positions and aim to redefine their careers.