The Chicago Cubs have made a significant move by acquiring All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays. This deal sees the Cubs sending Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge, and Ty Johnson to the Rays in exchange for Paredes, who boasts a strong track record and potential for further growth.
The Impact of Isaac Paredes
Isaac Paredes, who was selected as the Rays' All-Star representative earlier this month, has been displaying notable performances this season. He is hitting .245/.357/.435 with 16 home runs. Paredes' latest performance saw him contributing in a win over the Cincinnati Reds, although he went 0 for 2 with a walk.
This acquisition marks a full-circle moment for Paredes, who originally signed with the Cubs as an international amateur free agent out of Mexico in 2015. However, his journey saw him traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2017, where he eventually made his MLB debut. Between 2020 and 2021, Paredes found himself fluctuating between the majors and minors before being traded to the Rays prior to the 2022 season in exchange for Austin Meadows.
Now back with the Cubs, there’s an optimism grounded in both his offensive and defensive abilities. An insider shared their perspective, stating, "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."
Christopher Morel’s Departure
In return for Paredes, the Rays receive Christopher Morel, who has been struggling this season with a slash line of .199/.302/.372, albeit with 18 home runs. However, Morel ranks last among all players with minus-12 outs above average at third base. Despite these challenges, Morel remains a long-term investment for the Rays, as he is under team control through 2028.
Prospects: Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson
Including Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson in the trade adds promising prospects to the Rays' roster. Bigge, 26, made his MLB debut earlier this season and has impressed with a 1.17 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings in the minors. For a team looking to boost its pitching depth, Bigge's potential could be invaluable.
Ty Johnson, 22, has also shown promise in Single-A with a 3.54 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 61 innings. His development will be closely watched as the Rays continue to strengthen their future rotation.
The Cubs' and Rays' Current Standings
As the trade unfolded, both teams find themselves in critical positions within their divisions. The Cubs are currently standing at 50-56, six games out of a wild-card spot. Acquiring Paredes could provide the necessary spark they need to stay competitive as they push for a postseason berth.
On the other side, the Rays are 54-52 and 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot. Recently, the Rays have been active in the trade market, dealing away players like Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam. The addition of Morel, Bigge, and Johnson signifies their focus on building a more balanced team moving forward.
This trade reflects both organizations' strategic adjustments as they navigate the second half of the season. While the Cubs bolster their infield with a proven All-Star, the Rays continue to prioritize future talent and depth. Fans of both teams will be eager to see how these changes impact their respective playoff pursuits.