Big Move: Isaac Paredes Returns to Chicago Cubs
The Major League Baseball world was recently shaken by the news that All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes is once again on the move. The Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays have agreed on a significant trade, finalized just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, bringing Paredes back to the team where his professional journey began.
Originally signed by the Cubs as an amateur, Paredes has had an eventful career, being traded first to the Detroit Tigers and subsequently to the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, at 25 years old, he finds himself returning to Chicago, a city that holds the roots of his major league career.
Statistically, Paredes boasts a respectable slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) with 67 home runs over 354 games. His performance situates him just behind some of the top names in the game, including Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ among regular third basemen during that same period. However, it's worth noting that his average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile according to Statcast's metrics. Additionally, Statcast's analysis suggests that playing at Wrigley Field would have cost him five home runs this season and 12 over his career.
The Cubs see immense potential in Paredes despite his shortcomings. The team is optimistic about his addition to their roster, seeking to boost batting capacity and overall team dynamics. Paredes' contract offers team control through the 2027 season, giving the Cubs a long-term advantage.
Robert Orr's database indicates that Paredes pulls a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors, a notable trait that has contributed to his home run stats. This insight into his playing style gives the Cubs a strategic vision on how best to utilize his skills.
While the departure of Paredes marks a significant change for the Rays, the Florida-based team has been quite active on the trade front recently. Since the start of July, the Rays have traded Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and Isaac Paredes. Despite these moves, they are only half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the celebrated "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.
In exchange for Paredes, the Cubs have parted with Christopher Morel, a 25-year-old promising batter. Morel’s 90th percentile exit velocity places him in esteemed company with hitters like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. Dubbed as someone who is a "decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years," Morel might find himself anchoring second base, left field, or even taking on the role of designated hitter under the Rays' strategic placement.
Additionally, the trade includes Bigge, a 26-year-old who has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, and Johnson, a 22-year-old recent draft pick from Ball State. These additions hint at the Rays’ strategy to incorporate a mix of seasoned and emerging talents.
The Cubs’ strategic acquisition of Paredes and the promising prospects involved illuminate a calculated approach to enhancing team strength. With Paredes returning to where his career began, both teams look to benefit from this significant trade, each eyeing potential postseason impact and beyond.