The Major League Baseball world was once again set abuzz as All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes finds himself on the move yet again. The Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays struck a significant trade just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, resulting in the 25-year-old Paredes returning to where his professional journey began.
Paredes, who initially signed with the Chicago Cubs as an amateur, has been no stranger to trades throughout his career. He was first traded to the Detroit Tigers before making his way to the Tampa Bay Rays, where he established himself as a formidable presence on the field. Now, as Paredes makes his way back to the Cubs, the organization is banking on his potential to boost their overall team dynamics.
A Proven Track Record
Over the course of 354 games, Paredes has posted a slash line of .237/.340/.458, boasting 67 home runs and a 126 OPS+. Such performance places him just behind elite third basemen like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in terms of OPS+. However, it's worth noting that Statcast metrics indicate Paredes' average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile. Despite this, Robert Orr's database highlights that Paredes pulls a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors.
The Cubs see untapped potential in Paredes, with his contract providing team control through the 2027 season. Adding a player of his caliber is anticipated to enhance the Cubs' batting capacity significantly.
The Trade Impact
The trade comes as the Rays continue a series of roster changes that have seen key players like Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, and Jason Adam also depart since the start of July. The Rays, who won 99 games last season, are only half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the infamous "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox. Clearly, the decision-makers in St. Petersburg view their moves as bold, with one insight reflecting, "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due."
In exchange for Paredes, the Cubs have included Christopher Morel, who presents as a promising batter at 25 years old. Analysts are optimistic about Morel's future, noting, "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 places him in the same league as hitters like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson.
Paredes' Fit in Chicago
The decision to bring Paredes back to Chicago can be seen as a strategic move by the Cubs to strengthen their infield and bolster overall team performance. Despite Statcast estimating that if Paredes had played at Wrigley Field, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer for his career, the Cubs remain confident in his abilities. Paredes' versatility and consistent performance make him a valuable addition to their roster.
Moving Forward
The trade serves as a testament to the constantly shifting dynamics within Major League Baseball teams striving to optimize their rosters. For the Rays, the trade is a continuation of a broader strategy of reconfiguring their lineup. For Paredes, it's an opportunity to return to familiar territory and make a significant impact. As the Cubs integrate Paredes into their lineup, they hope to maximize his potential and push for a successful season finish.
Adding depth to the analysis, one expert opined on Morel's potential role with the Rays, suggesting, "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.'" Such insights indicate the multifaceted considerations teams weigh when making these high-stakes decisions.
Along with Morel, the trade package includes players like Bigge and Johnson, who bring their own set of skills and future potential to the Rays. As the trade window closes and teams settle into their updated rosters, the focus will quickly shift to how these new dynamics play out on the field. All eyes will be on Paredes as he dons a Cubs uniform once more, ready to contribute to the team that first saw his potential.