In a significant mid-season trade move, the Chicago Cubs have fortified their roster by acquiring All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays. The trade sees the Cubs part ways with Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge, and Ty Johnson, underscoring Chicago's intentions to build a competitive lineup for the remainder of the season.
Paredes' Return to Chicago
The acquisition of Isaac Paredes signifies a homecoming of sorts, as the 24-year-old originally signed with the Cubs as an international amateur free agent out of Mexico back in 2015. Paredes' journey in Major League Baseball has been circuitous, marked by a trade to the Detroit Tigers in 2017, where he made his MLB debut and spent several seasons moving between the majors and minors from 2020 to 2021. His performance improvements were evident when he joined the Tampa Bay Rays prior to the 2022 season, a move that saw a steady rise in his stats and eventually led to his selection as the Rays' All-Star representative earlier this month.
Current Season Performance
Paredes has put up solid numbers this season, hitting .245/.357/.435 with 16 home runs, showcasing his potential as a valuable asset for the Cubs. His performance in a win over the Cincinnati Reds earlier in the day, where he had a 0 for 2 outing but managed a walk, adds to his consistent, if not spectacular, contributions at the plate.
The trade reflects the Cubs' belief in Paredes' abilities, with insiders noting, "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."
Implications for the Cubs
This strategic move comes at a time when the Cubs are 50-56 and six games out of a wild-card spot, indicating a need to bolster their lineup for a stronger push in the latter half of the season. Paredes' defensive skills at third base are particularly noteworthy, especially in light of Christopher Morel's struggles in that role. Morel, despite hitting 18 home runs this season, has a .199/.302/.372 slash line and ranks last among all players with minus-12 outs above average at third base.
Morel's Future and the Prospects
Morel, who remains under team control through 2028, may find new opportunities with the Rays, who are currently 54-52 and 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot. The inclusion of Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson in the trade package provides Tampa Bay with additional depth. Bigge, a 26-year-old who made his MLB debut earlier this season, has posted an impressive 1.17 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings in the minors. Johnson, a promising 22-year-old, holds a 3.54 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 61 innings in Single-A.
Rays' Strategy and Recent Moves
For the Rays, this deal continues a trend of recent trades, including the departures of Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam. These moves suggest a broader strategy focused on reconfiguring their roster and perhaps preparing for future seasons.
The Cubs' addition of Isaac Paredes could prove to be a savvy move as they seek to elevate their game. Combining Paredes' offensive potential and defensive prowess with the existing talent on the roster could provide a needed boost for Chicago's aspirations this season.