The Major League Baseball landscape has once again been revitalized by a significant trade action involving All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes. The Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays, two teams with storied histories and ambitious futures, have reached an agreement just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, shaking the league’s dynamics.
A Familiar Journey
Isaac Paredes' career has been a whirlwind of relocations. Originally signed as an amateur by the Chicago Cubs, Paredes was later traded to the Detroit Tigers before finding a home with the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, in an unexpected twist, Paredes is making his way back to where it all began — with the Cubs.
At 25 years old, Paredes brings with him not only experience but also strong performance metrics. Over the course of 354 games, he has amassed a slash line of .237/.340/.458, translating to a 126 OPS+. With 67 home runs to his name, Paredes stands just behind prominent third basemen like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in terms of OPS+.
Performance Insights
Despite these impressive numbers, Paredes does have some areas of concern. His average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile, according to Statcast's metrics. Moreover, Robert Orr's database indicates that Paredes pulls a higher share of fly balls than any other player in the majors. Statcast estimates that had Paredes been playing at Wrigley Field, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer for his career.
Nevertheless, the Cubs are optimistic about what Paredes can bring to the table. The team's management sees untapped potential in him, and Paredes' contract offers them team control through the 2027 season. The Cubs aim to boost their batting capacity and overall team dynamics by integrating Paredes into their roster.
The Rays’ Strategic Moves
This trade forms part of a larger strategy by the Rays, who have been quite active in the trading scene since the start of July. Notable players such as Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes have all been traded. The Rays, who won 99 games last season, are currently just half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox.
"Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due," a nod to the Rays' management style, which has been both applauded and scrutinized for its bold moves.
The Cubs’ New Addition
As part of the deal, the Cubs are not just acquiring Paredes but also parting with some promising talent. Christopher Morel, another rising star at 25 years old, is included in the trade. Known for his promising batting abilities, Morel registers a 90th percentile exit velocity, making comparisons to Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson quite fitting.
"Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years," analysts assert, pointing to his potential impact on the Rays. The Rays might deploy Morel at second base, left field, or as a designated hitter. "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,'" one expert suggests, highlighting Morel's offensive strengths.
Other Players in the Deal
Additionally, 26-year-old Bigge, who has made four major-league appearances this season with the Cubs, and 22-year-old Johnson, a recent pick from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round, form part of the trade package.
The trade signifies a considerable strategic shift for both the Cubs and the Rays, with each team looking to bolster its roster in different ways as the season progresses. While the Cubs see in Paredes a chance to enhance their lineup and secure long-term gains, the Rays continue their trend of aggressive, forward-thinking roster management.
This high-stakes shuffle of talent between the Cubs and the Rays signifies both teams' relentless pursuit of success in Major League Baseball, promising an intriguing second half of the season for fans and analysts alike.