The Major League Baseball landscape once again faces a seismic shift with a trade involving All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes. In a significant deal agreed upon just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays orchestrated a move that sends Paredes back to where his professional journey began.
A 25-year-old third baseman of notable talent, Paredes was initially signed by the Cubs as an amateur. He then made transitions to the Detroit Tigers and subsequently to the Tampa Bay Rays. His impressive stats, including a slash line of .237/.340/.458 with 67 home runs over 354 games, place him just behind elite third basemen such as Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in terms of OPS+ during his current span.
However, Paredes' average exit velocity ranks alarmingly in the 4th percentile according to Statcast's metrics, which might be a point of concern. Furthermore, Robert Orr's database reveals that Paredes pulls a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors. Statcast estimates that if Paredes had played at Wrigley Field, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer for his career. Despite these metrics, the Cubs see ample potential in Paredes and look to bolster their team dynamics and batting capacity with his addition.
The Cubs' Strategic Move
The Cubs' acquisition of Paredes is strategic, considering his contract offers team control through the 2027 season. The Cubs' front office views this move as essential for future success. "The Cubs are adding Paredes to boost their batting capacity and overall team dynamics," an insider revealed. This move indicates the Cubs' commitment to strengthening their lineup as they look forward to competitive seasons ahead.
Christopher Morel is a notable inclusion in this transaction. At 25 years old, Morel is viewed as a promising batter. Analysts have high expectations for him, suggesting, "Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years." Morel's 90th percentile exit velocity places him in the company of powerful hitters like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. The Rays may utilize Morel at second base, left field, or as a designated hitter, potentially fortifying their roster with his versatile batting prowess. An expert echoed this sentiment: "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.'"
The Rays' Big Picture
This trade aligns with the Rays' recent strategy, reflecting a broader managerial philosophy. Recently, the Rays have traded away prominent players such as Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes. Despite these trades, the Rays continue to vie for a strong postseason position. They won 99 games last season and are only marginally worse off 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," commented an observer, highlighting the management's bold decision-making approach.
The Rays' willingness to part with key players like Paredes underscores their confidence in their developmental system and future strategies. The inclusion of promising talents like Morel and younger players such as Bigge, who has made four big-league appearances with the Cubs this season, and Johnson, a 22-year-old recently picked in last summer’s 15th round from Ball State, showcases their long-term vision.
Looking Forward
This trade will likely have significant implications for both the Cubs and the Rays as they navigate the remainder of the season and beyond. Paredes' return to the Cubs is more than a nostalgic homecoming; it represents a strategic attempt to elevate their performance and secure a competitive edge. Meanwhile, the Rays continue their trend of calculated risks, trusting in their scouting and development capabilities to maintain their status as a formidable contender in Major League Baseball.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how these newly traded players perform and adjust to their new teams. The baseball world will watch keenly to see if the Cubs' faith in Paredes pays off and whether the Rays' gamble on up-and-coming talent will keep them in the hunt for postseason glory.