The Chicago Cubs made a significant move to bolster their lineup, acquiring All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays. In return, the Cubs sent Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge, and Ty Johnson to Tampa Bay. This trade signifies the Cubs' commitment to gunning for a playoff spot despite their current standing.
A Prominent Addition
Isaac Paredes brings a robust offensive profile to Wrigley Field, with a batting line of .245/.357/.435 and 16 home runs this season. The 24-year-old third baseman was recently selected as the Rays' All-Star representative, reflecting his significant contributions on the field. Paredes' All-Star selection marks a high point in a career that has seen its share of highs and lows, including fluctuations between the majors and minors from 2020 to 2021.
Initially signed by the Cubs as an international amateur free agent out of Mexico in 2015, Paredes' journey has come full circle. He was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2017, where he made his MLB debut and later moved to the Rays prior to the 2022 season in exchange for Austin Meadows.
Cubs’ Strategic Bet
Paredes played earlier in the day against the Cincinnati Reds, going 0-for-2 with a walk in a winning effort. His presence is expected to solidify the Cubs' third base, both defensively and offensively. An insider noted, "Clearly, the Cubs believe Paredes' extreme pulled fly-ball approach will translate well to Wrigley Field, and they also get a capable third baseman defensively."
Outgoing Talent
To acquire Paredes, the Cubs parted ways with Christopher Morel, who has struggled at the plate this season, slashing .199/.302/.372 with 18 home runs. Morel has also faced challenges defensively, ranking last among all players with minus-12 outs above average at third base. Despite these struggles, Morel's potential remains high, and he will be under team control through 2028, offering the Rays a young, controllable player for the future.
Additionally, the Cubs sent Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson to Tampa Bay. Bigge, a 26-year-old who made his MLB debut earlier this season, has shown promise with a 1.17 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings in the minors. Johnson, at 22, has demonstrated his potential in Single-A with a 3.54 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 61 innings.
Rays’ Recalibration
The Rays, currently standing at 54-52 and 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot, have recently traded notable players including Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam. This indicates a strategic recalibration as they look to balance their roster and prepare for future seasons.
Playoff Aspirations
For the Cubs, currently 50-56 and six games out of a wild-card spot, acquiring Paredes underscores their determination to remain competitive. Paredes' ability to contribute both power and defensive stability can provide the lift the Cubs need to make a postseason push.
This trade could be pivotal for both franchises. The Cubs aim to harness Paredes' potential to energize their lineup, while the Rays continue their tactical adjustments in pursuit of long-term success. As the season progresses, the impact of Isaac Paredes’ return to the Cubs will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.