The Major League Baseball (MLB) sphere was taken by surprise as All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes found himself on the move yet again. This time, it's a return to the roots for the talented 25-year-old as he heads back to the Chicago Cubs. The deal between the Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays was finalized just before the July 30 trade deadline, marking another significant reshuffle in the rosters of both teams.
Paredes, who originally started his professional journey as an amateur signed by the Cubs, has seen his career take several twists and turns. After being traded to the Detroit Tigers, he was subsequently shipped to the Tampa Bay Rays, and now, he circles back to the North Side of Chicago.
Performance and Potential
At 25, Paredes has accumulated a solid track record. With a slash line of .237/.340/.458 and an OPS+ of 126 over 354 games, he has proven his worth at the plate, notching 67 home runs. His performance places him just behind some of the MLB's finest third basemen, like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado, in terms of OPS+ during the same period.
However, Paredes' metrics provide a complex picture. His average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile according to Statcast's metrics, suggesting room for improvement in terms of power. Yet, he uniquely excels in pulling fly balls, leading the majors in this specific aspect, as highlighted by Robert Orr's database.
Interestingly, Statcast estimates that had Paredes played his games at Wrigley Field, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer over his career. Despite this, the Cubs see untapped potential in Paredes, particularly given his offensive prowess.
The Cubs, who gain team control over Paredes through the 2027 season, are betting on his ability to bolster their batting capacity and enhance overall team dynamics. This trade comes at a crucial moment as the Cubs aim to gain ground in the playoff race.
Movements in Tampa
This deal is part of a broader sequence of trades by the Rays, who have been quite active since the start of July. They've traded away key players including Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, and Jason Adam, along with Paredes.
The Rays, who won an impressive 99 games last season, are only marginally worse in their current playoff positioning compared to the famous "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox. It appears that the Rays' management in St. Petersburg is taking bold steps, akin to a trailblazing approach that might not always be fully appreciated. "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due," resonates as a testament to their strategy.
The Christopher Morel Factor
Integral to this trade is 25-year-old Christopher Morel, who is moving to the Rays. Unlike Paredes, Morel has demonstrated a promising batting potential with a 90th percentile exit velocity. This makes him comparable to sluggers 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 are likely to place Morel at second base, left field, or designated hitter, a versatile strategy hinted at by one expert who noted, "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 flexibility exemplifies the Rays' broader tactical adaptability.
Additions and Future Outlook
In addition to Morel, the Cubs also included 26-year-old Bigge, who has made four big-league appearances this season. Another player heading to the Rays is Johnson, a 22-year-old talent recently picked from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round.
The MLB landscape continues to evolve as teams trade talent and strategize for future success. This latest move underscores the dynamic nature of team management and the calculated risks teams take in their quest for success. For fans and analysts alike, the return of Isaac Paredes to the Cubs is a storyline worth following as the season progresses.