The Chicago Cubs have executed a significant trade, acquiring All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays. In return, the Cubs sent Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge, and Ty Johnson to the Rays in a deal that looks to bolster both rosters as they aim for playoff contention.
Isaac Paredes Joins the Cubs
Paredes, who was the Rays' All-Star representative earlier this month, has shown consistent performance this season. With a current batting line of .245/.357/.435 and 16 home runs, Paredes is expected to add some much-needed offensive prowess to the Cubs lineup. Earlier in the day, Paredes played against the Cincinnati Reds, going 0 for 2 with a walk.
The move marks a homecoming of sorts for Paredes, who originally signed with the Cubs as an international amateur free agent out of Mexico in 2015. However, his journey through the majors has been anything but straightforward. Traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2017, Paredes made his MLB debut with the Tigers and spent time fluctuating between the majors and minors from 2020 to 2021. It wasn't until the Tigers sent him to the Rays in a trade for Austin Meadows prior to the 2022 season that Paredes began to find his footing.
An insider close to the Cubs commented on the trade, saying, "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."
The Cubs' Current Standing
The Cubs, currently standing at 50-56 and six games out of a wild-card spot, appear to be in a position of chasing some mid-season spark with this trade. Adding Paredes could be a decisive move to make their offensive line-up more formidable. His ability to add depth to both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game positions him as a potentially pivotal figure for the Cubs in the second half of the season.
Evaluating the Departures
Christopher Morel, the central figure heading to the Rays, has had a mixed season. He's slashing .199/.302/.372 with 18 home runs. While his offensive numbers are underwhelming, he's also struggled defensively, ranking last among all players with minus-12 outs above average at third base. On the plus side, Morel will remain under team control through 2028, giving the Rays some long-term flexibility to develop his potential further.
Hunter Bigge, 26, who also moves to Tampa Bay, has shown promise in his MLB debut earlier this season. Bigge has maintained a 1.17 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings in the minors. Such figures indicate a developmental trajectory that could be beneficial for the Rays’ bullpen.
Ty Johnson, 22, rounds out the trio heading to the Rays. Johnson has a 3.54 ERA with 81 strikeouts in 61 innings in Single-A, showcasing potential but still needing time to refine his skills before breaking into the majors.
The Rays' Broader Strategy
The Rays, currently 54-52 and 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot, seem to be in retooling mode, having traded notable players like Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam recently. The addition of Morel, Bigge, and Johnson may signal a strategic shift focused on building a resilient foundation for the seasons to come. Although Paredes' departure might create a short-term gap, the Rays appear committed to long-term growth and stability.
For the Cubs, the hope is that Paredes will live up to his All-Star billing and provide the spark needed to mount a serious push for the postseason. With his history of fluctuating between leagues and dealing with trades, Paredes will be keen to prove himself as a reliable and consistent performer in Chicago.