The Major League Baseball landscape has been stirred once again as All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes finds himself on the move in a high-profile transaction. In a deal that transpired just before the July 30 trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays agreed on a significant exchange. This trade marks a homecoming for Paredes, who was initially signed by the Cubs as an amateur before making several stops along his MLB journey.
The Journey of Isaac Paredes
Paredes' path through Major League Baseball reads like a travelogue: from being a promising amateur signed by the Cubs to making his way to the Detroit Tigers, and then on to the Tampa Bay Rays. His return to the Cubs' lineup is a testament to the cyclical nature of professional sports careers.
At 25 years old, Paredes has established himself as a formidable presence on the field. With a slash line of .237/.340/.458 and 67 home runs over 354 games, his performance ranks him just behind notable names like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ among regular third basemen during the same timeframe. Despite this, Paredes' average exit velocity stands in the 4th percentile, as tracked by Statcast's advanced metrics.
Paredes' Impact at Wrigley Field
Interestingly, Robert Orr's database highlights that Paredes pulls a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors. However, Statcast's estimates indicate that had he been playing at Wrigley Field, Paredes would have seen a reduction in his home run tally, with five fewer this season and 12 fewer over his career. Despite these figures, the Cubs see immense potential in Paredes, bolstered by his contract that offers team control through the 2027 season.
The Cubs are not just investing in a player but boosting their entire batting capacity and overall team dynamics. Adding Paredes reflects a strategic move to strengthen their infield and enhance their offensive prowess as the season progresses.
A Major Shift for the Rays
For the Rays, this trade signifies a notable shift. Since the beginning of July, they have traded away key players like Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes. This follows a successful season where they recorded 99 wins, yet their current playoff positioning is only marginally behind the infamous "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox.
An insight into the Rays' management style came to light as one observer noted, "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due."
The Cubs' New Additions
Complementing this significant trade, Christopher Morel also moves to the Rays. Morel, a promising batter at 25 years old, boasts a 90th percentile exit velocity, putting him in the company of hitters like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. Analysts believe, "Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years." The Rays might deploy Morel at second base, left field, or even use him as a designated hitter, suggesting flexibility in their lineup strategy. One expert suggested, "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 package included Bigge, a 26-year-old who has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, and Johnson, a 22-year-old recently picked from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round. These inclusions signal both teams’ commitment to long-term development and immediate impact.
Looking Forward
As the trade deadline dust settles, both teams have made significant moves that will shape their immediate futures and long-term prospects. For Isaac Paredes, the return to the Cubs offers a new chapter filled with opportunity. For the Rays, the reconfiguration of their roster highlights their dynamic and forward-thinking approach to the game. The remaining season promises to be an intriguing watch as these strategies unfold on the field.