The Chicago Cubs have made a significant move by acquiring All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays. In exchange, the Cubs sent Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge, and Ty Johnson to Tampa Bay. This trade is expected to have substantial implications for both teams as they eye playoff contention.
Paredes' Journey Back to Chicago
Isaac Paredes’ return to the Cubs is a full-circle moment. Originally signed by Chicago as an international amateur free agent out of Mexico in 2015, Paredes was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2017. His professional career took off in Detroit, where he made his MLB debut and spent time fluctuating between the majors and minors from 2020 to 2021.
Prior to the 2022 season, Paredes was traded to the Rays in exchange for Austin Meadows. His tenure in Tampa was highlighted by his selection as the Rays' All-Star representative earlier this month. This season, Paredes is hitting .245/.357/.435 with 16 home runs, showcasing his offensive prowess and versatility as a third baseman.
A Fit for Wrigley Field
The Cubs, currently holding a 50-56 record and six games out of a wild-card spot, have high hopes for Paredes' impact on their roster. An insider noted, "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." Paredes' ability to drive the ball could indeed match well with the dimensions of Wrigley, possibly offering the offensive spark the Cubs need.
Departures: Morel, Bigge, and Johnson
The Cubs’ decision to part ways with Christopher Morel might come as a surprise to some. Morel, who is slashing .199/.302/.372 with 18 home runs this season, has struggled defensively, ranking last among all players with a minus-12 outs above average at third base. Despite these struggles, Morel will remain under team control through 2028, which gives the Rays an intriguing long-term project.
Hunter Bigge, 26, has shown promise in his brief MLB career, boasting a 1.17 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings in the minors. His recent MLB debut could signal untapped potential that the Rays are eager to explore. Ty Johnson, 22, has also displayed talent with a 3.54 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 61 innings in Single-A, indicating a strong developmental trajectory.
Rays' Strategic Moves
Sitting at 54-52 and 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot, the Rays have been active in reshaping their roster. Alongside the Paredes trade, Tampa Bay has recently moved key players such as Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam. These decisions reflect a broader strategy to perhaps pivot and build for both immediate contention and future sustainability.
Paredes' departure marks the end of a notable chapter for the Rays, but his performance in Tampa Bay, including a .245/.357/.435 slash line with 16 home runs this season, underscores why the Cubs found him worth the significant exchange.
Looking Ahead
In his final game with the Rays, Paredes played against the Cincinnati Reds, going 0 for 2 with a walk. This outing juxtaposes his potential impact on the Cubs, who are striving to gain ground in their playoff chase. The hope is that his offensive and defensive skills can blend seamlessly into the Cubs’ lineup, reinvigorating their wildcard aspirations.
As the dust settles on this major transaction, eyes will be on how Paredes adapts back to Chicago and whether Morel, Bigge, and Johnson can make their marks with the Rays. Both teams have taken calculated risks, aiming for lucrative payoffs as the season progresses.