The Major League Baseball world was recently stirred by a noteworthy transaction involving All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes. According to reports, the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays agreed on a significant trade just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, marking another chapter in Paredes’ increasingly eventful career.
Paredes Returns to Chicago
Originally signed by the Cubs as an amateur, Paredes’ journey has seen him traded to the Detroit Tigers, then to the Tampa Bay Rays, and now back to the Chicago Cubs. Paredes, at 25 years old, brings with him a commendable performance metric over the course of 354 games, holding a slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) with 67 home runs.
His outstanding OPS+ places him just a step behind the likes of premier third basemen Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado during that span. However, Paredes’ average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile according to Statcast metrics. Adding another layer to his profile, Robert Orr’s database indicates that Paredes pulls a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors.
Impact on Performance
This trade comes with interesting implications regarding his performance. Statcast estimates suggest that if Paredes had spent his time at Wrigley Field, he would have recorded five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer over his career. Despite these numbers, the Cubs see untapped potential in Paredes, hoping he will provide a significant boost to their batting capacity and overall team dynamics.
Paredes' contract also offers the Cubs a considerable advantage, with team control secured through the 2027 season. His inclusion in the lineup is aimed at fortifying the team’s competitiveness in the coming years.
The Rays' Perspective
On the other side of the diamond, the Rays have been making moves of their own. In addition to trading Paredes, the team has also dealt Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, and Jason Adam since the start of July. Despite these changes, the Rays managed an impressive 99 wins last season and currently sit only half a game behind their playoff positioning compared to the infamous "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox.
Christopher Morel: A Promising Addition
Part of the Paredes trade involves the Cubs' young talent Christopher Morel. At 25, Morel has already established himself as a promising hitter. Analysts believe "Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years." With his 90th percentile exit velocity, Morel stands alongside proficient hitters like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson.
Morel’s versatility adds to the Rays’ strategic options. It’s speculated that he could find a place at second base, left field, or even as the designated hitter. One expert opines, "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 Talent in the Mix
The trade also includes two other names of interest. Bigge, 26, who has made four big-league appearances with the Cubs this season, and Johnson, 22, a recent pick from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round. Though their roles may not be as prominent as Paredes or Morel, they represent requisite depth and potential future investment by the Rays.
A No-Regret Trade for Both Sides
Clearly, this trade showcases contrasting strategies and future aspirations by both teams. For the Cubs, bringing back Paredes underscores their commitment to fortifying their roster with experienced yet controllable talent. For the Rays, it seems to reflect a more calculated approach toward optimizing their lineup, featuring talents like Morel who can influence their gameplay in multiple ways.
One thing's certain: "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due." This insight reflects the bold management style the Rays have come to be recognized for, one that may yet bring them significant rewards in this season and beyond.