The Major League Baseball landscape has been dramatically altered as All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes is once again on the move. In a major trade just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to a swap that brings Paredes back to his original team.
Paredes, who was originally signed by the Cubs as an amateur, has had a well-traveled career. After being traded to the Detroit Tigers and then to the Tampa Bay Rays, he now finds himself returning to Chicago. At 25 years old, Paredes has demonstrated his value on the diamond with a slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) and 67 home runs over 354 games. This performance positions him just behind the likes of Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ among regular third basemen during that span.
Paredes' Metrics and Potential
However, Paredes' statistical profile is not without its quirks. His average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile, according to Statcast's metrics. Moreover, Robert Orr's database indicates that Paredes pulls a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors. Statcast estimates suggest that had Paredes played at Wrigley Field, he would have hit five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer over his career.
Despite this, the Cubs see significant potential in Paredes. His contract offers the team control through the 2027 season, a factor that undoubtedly appealed to Chicago's front office. By adding Paredes, the Cubs aim to boost their batting capacity and overall team dynamics. Given his age and skill set, Paredes is poised to be an integral part of the Cubs' roster as they vie for future success.
Tampa Bay's Trade Moves
For the Tampa Bay Rays, this trade is part of a broader pattern of activity. Since the start of July, the Rays have traded key players like Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes. Despite winning 99 games last season, Tampa Bay is only half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the infamous "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox.
The Rays' management style has often been described as fearless. As one insight put it, "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due." This approach continues to shape their strategies as they prepare for the future.
Key Additions: Christopher Morel and Others
In return for Paredes, the Cubs are sending Christopher Morel to the Rays. Morel, at 25 years old, presents as a promising batter. Analysts have noted, "Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years." His 90th percentile exit velocity makes him comparable to players like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. Given his versatility, the Rays might experiment with Morel at second base, left field, or as a 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.'"
Alongside Morel, the Rays receive 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. Their additions should add depth to Tampa Bay's roster as they continue to navigate the remainder of the season and beyond.
As the trade deadline excitement continues, both the Cubs and the Rays will watch closely to see how their latest moves play out on the field. For now, Isaac Paredes' return to Chicago marks a compelling chapter in both his career and the ongoing saga of Major League Baseball trades.