The Chicago Cubs made a significant move that could shape the team's future 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.
Isaac Paredes’ Journey to the Cubs
Isaac Paredes, who originally signed with the Cubs as an international free agent out of Mexico in 2015, has had an eventful career path. After being traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2017, he made his MLB debut with the Tigers and spent the following seasons fluctuating between the majors and minors. Prior to the 2022 season, Paredes was traded to the Rays in exchange for Austin Meadows. His performance with the Rays earned him a spot as their All-Star representative earlier this month. This season, he is slashing .245/.357/.435 with 16 home runs and showcased his talent, contributing defensively as well.
Interestingly, Paredes played in a win over the Cincinnati Reds earlier on the day of the trade, recording a 0 for 2 performance and securing a walk. The Cubs are banking on his skills and believe that "Paredes' extreme pulled fly-ball approach will translate well to Wrigley Field," as noted by an insider. They are also looking forward to his defensive capabilities at third base.
The Trade Components
To acquire Paredes, the Cubs sacrificed Christopher Morel, who has had a challenging season at the plate with a .199/.302/.372 slash line and 18 home runs. Morel has struggled defensively, ranking last among all players with minus-12 outs above average at third base. However, he remains under team control through 2028, offering the Rays a long-term investment option.
Following Morel, Hunter Bigge, 26, is another notable name in the trade. Bigge made his MLB debut earlier this season and has impressed in the minors, boasting a 1.17 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings. His performance highlights his potential as a valuable pitcher for the Rays.
Joining Bigge is Ty Johnson, a 22-year-old pitcher currently in Single-A, where he has maintained a 3.54 ERA along with 81 strikeouts in 61 innings. Johnson's stats reflect his potential, but he is still in the developmental stages of his career.
The Teams’ Current Standings
As of now, the Cubs are 50-56, leaving them six games out of a wild-card spot. This trade represents a strategic move to bolster their lineup and improve their chances of climbing in rankings. The addition of Paredes aligns with their goal of finding consistent on-base production and a reliable third baseman.
On the other hand, the Rays are 54-52 and stand 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot themselves. Recently, the Rays have traded high-profile players including Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam, indicating a shift in their strategy or perhaps a focus on rebuilding with young talent.
This trade marks yet another chapter in Paredes' career, one that comes full circle as he returns to the organization where he started. The Cubs are optimistic that their investment will pay off, not only by shoring up their defense but also adding offensive firepower. With the rigorous demands of the MLB season, only time will tell how this trade impacts both teams’ futures. However, it is clear that both franchises are strategically positioning themselves, looking to balance immediate needs with long-term aspirations.