Isaac Paredes Returns to the Cubs in Blockbuster Trade
In a move that has sent ripples through the Major League Baseball world, All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes is returning to the Chicago Cubs. This notable trade, finalized just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, was orchestrated between the Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays, further shaking up the competitive landscape of MLB.
Paredes, who originally signed with the Cubs as an amateur, has had an eventful journey through the majors. After initially being traded to the Detroit Tigers and subsequently to the Tampa Bay Rays, Paredes is now heading back to where it all began. The 25-year-old player is bringing with him a respectable slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) along with 67 home runs over the course of 354 games. This impressive performance places him just behind notable third basemen such as Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in terms of OPS+ during this span.
However, not all metrics place Paredes in a favorable light. Statcast's data highlights that Paredes' average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile, showcasing a significant area for potential improvement. Furthermore, according to estimates by Statcast, playing at Wrigley Field could have cost him five home runs this season and 12 fewer across his career. Despite this, the Cubs see undeniable potential in Paredes, aligning with the insights from Robert Orr's database, which indicates that Paredes pulls a higher share of fly balls than any other player in the majors.
"Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due," remarked one analyst, reflecting on the Rays' management style that led to this trade.
The Cubs' strategic investment in Paredes is evident, considering his contract offers team control through the 2027 season. They aim to enhance their batting lineup and overall team dynamics with Paredes' inclusion. Additionally, the move comes as part of a roster overhaul for the Rays, who have traded away key players like Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and Isaac Paredes since the start of July. This sweeping change occurs despite the Rays' remarkable performance last season, where they won 99 games. Currently, their playoff positioning is only half a game worse than the infamous "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox.
The trade involving Paredes also sees the Cubs' Christopher Morel heading to the Rays. Morel, another promising talent at 25 years old, has drawn comparisons to players like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson due to his impressive 90th percentile exit velocity.
"Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years," commented an analyst on Morel's prospects. The Rays might utilize Morel at second base, left field, or as a designated hitter, with one expert noting, "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.'"
This trade also includes young talents like Bigge and Johnson. Bigge, 26, has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, while Johnson, 22, was a recent pick from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round. Their inclusion further underlines the Cubs' intention to bolster their depth and future prospects.
The return of Isaac Paredes to the Cubs exemplifies the team's strategy to strengthen their roster and make a competitive push in the coming seasons. While the move involves calculated risks, particularly concerning Paredes' exit velocity and home run potential at Wrigley Field, the Cubs' management appears confident in his ability to contribute significantly to their lineup.
As fans and analysts alike scrutinize the implications of this trade, one thing is clear: both the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays are making bold statements towards their respective future ambitions in the ever-competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.