The Chicago Cubs have made a significant move ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays. In exchange, the Cubs send infielder Christopher Morel, along with pitching prospects Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson, to Tampa Bay. This trade highlights the Cubs’ commitment to bolstering their infield with a skilled and promising talent.
Paredes' Performance and Potential
Isaac Paredes, who was recently selected as the Rays' All-Star representative, comes with an impressive skill set. He boasts a hitting line of .245/.357/.435 with 16 home runs this season. His defensive capabilities at third base are also expected to be a valuable addition to the Cubs' roster. 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."
Paredes participated in a win over the Cincinnati Reds earlier on the day of the trade, where he recorded a 0 for 2 performance with a walk. Despite the less-than-stellar stat line for that particular game, Paredes' overall season performance cements his status as a significant asset for the Cubs.
From Cubs to Rays and Back Again
Interestingly, the trade marks a homecoming of sorts for Paredes. Originally signed by the Cubs as an international amateur free agent out of Mexico in 2015, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2017. Paredes made his MLB debut with the Tigers and fluctuated between the majors and minors from 2020 to 2021. Prior to the 2022 season, he was traded to the Rays in exchange for Austin Meadows, where he solidified his reputation as an All-Star caliber player.
The Cubs' Current State
The Cubs are currently 50-56, standing six games out of a wild-card spot. By acquiring Paredes, they are clearly aiming to improve their standing and keep their playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, the departure of Christopher Morel to the Rays may raise some eyebrows, but his performance this season has been less impressive, with a slash line of .199/.302/.372 and 18 home runs. Morel also ranks last among all players with minus-12 outs above average at third base, a stat that likely influenced the Cubs' decision to move him.
Prospects on the Move
Alongside Morel, the Rays will gain two promising pitchers in Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson. Bigge, 26, made his MLB debut earlier this season and has shown promise with a 1.17 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings in the minors. Johnson, 22, has impressed at Single-A with a 3.54 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 61 innings. These additions will no doubt bolster the Rays' already competitive roster as they currently sit at 54-52, 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot.
Rays' Recent Trade Activities
The Rays have been active in the trade market lately, dealing key players such as Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam. The addition of Morel, Bigge, and Johnson aligns with their strategy of acquiring young talent to build for the future while remaining competitive in the present.
This trade could be a pivotal moment for the Cubs as they strive to climb up the standings and make a push for the postseason. For the Rays, the incoming talent offers potential and depth that could prove invaluable in their own wild-card chase. As the season continues, both teams will closely watch the performance of their new acquisitions, hopeful that these changes will yield the desired results.