The Major League Baseball world was shaken as All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes is once again on the move. In a significant transaction concluded just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays orchestrated a deal that sees Paredes returning to his original team. This move symbolizes a persistent trend in Paredes' career, having originally been signed by the Cubs as an amateur before being traded to the Detroit Tigers and later finding a home with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Now 25 years old, Paredes brings a wealth of experience and notable statistics back to Chicago. With a current slash line of .237/.340/.458 and an OPS+ of 126, his 67 home runs across 354 games mark him as a significant player in the league. His performance places him just behind notable names such as Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ among regular third basemen.
However, it’s not just about numbers. Paredes' average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile per Statcast's metrics, which is an area of concern. Additionally, Robert Orr's database highlights that Paredes pulls a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors. Statcast further estimates that if Paredes had played at Wrigley Field, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer over his career. Despite this, the Cubs see potential in Paredes, mostly because his contract provides team control through the 2027 season—an attractive aspect for the franchise.
The arrival of Paredes aims to boost the Cubs' batting capacity and overall team dynamics. Since the start of July, the Rays have been very active in the trading market, sending off key players including Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and Isaac Paredes. Despite winning 99 games last season, the Rays find themselves only half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the infamous "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," reflects one insider on the Rays' management style.
Christopher Morel: The Rising Star
Part of the deal includes Christopher Morel, a promising 25-year-old batter. Described by analysts as "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 a category comparable to players like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. This high potential opens multiple positioning options for the Rays, who may opt to use Morel at second base, left field, or as a designated hitter. As one expert insightfully suggests, "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.'"
Additionally, the trade also sees the involvement of Bigge and Johnson. Bigge, 26, has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, while Johnson, 22, is a recent pick from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round. Although these players are not as high-profile as Paredes or Morel, their inclusion in the deal underscores the comprehensive nature of the trade.
The Cubs’ decision to bring back Isaac Paredes demonstrates their strategic planning towards constructing a solid roster for future seasons. By securing team control over Paredes through 2027, the Cubs position themselves well for long-term success, balancing immediate impact with future prospects. This move fits into a broader strategy to bolster the team's batting strength while recalibrating the dynamics on the field.
As the baseball season progresses, all eyes will be on how Paredes integrates back into the Cubs' lineup and how the Rays manage their newly acquired assets. With both teams looking to optimize their rosters for the playoffs and beyond, this trade could mark a pivotal moment for both franchises.