Trade Shake-Up: Isaac Paredes Moves Back to the Chicago Cubs
The Major League Baseball world was shaken as All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes is on the move once again. The Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays have struck a significant deal just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, sending Paredes, who was originally signed by the Cubs as an amateur, back to Chicago.
Paredes, now 25 years old, has already had an eventful career, involving multiple trades. After being signed by the Cubs, he was first traded to the Detroit Tigers and then again to the Tampa Bay Rays. This time, he heads back to where it all began, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a notable track record. Paredes has a slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) with 67 home runs over the course of 354 games. His performance places him just behind baseball heavyweights like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ among regular third basemen during that span.
However, despite his offensive prowess, Paredes has some concerning metrics. According to Statcast, his average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile. Additionally, Robert Orr’s database reveals that Paredes pulls a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors, a tendency that might impact his output in different ballparks. Statcast estimates that if Paredes had played at Wrigley Field instead of Tropicana Field, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer for his career.
Despite these figures, the Cubs see immense potential in Paredes. His contract offers the team control through the 2027 season, providing ample time for the third baseman to integrate into their roster and contribute significantly to their batting capacity and overall team dynamics. "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due," an industry insight reflects, hinting at the bold nature of the Rays’ management style which has facilitated such trades.
Significantly, this trade is only part of a larger trend for the Rays. Since the start of July, the team has traded key players including Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes. The Rays, who won 99 games last season, are only half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox. This signals a strategic shift within the organization as they maneuver through the pressures of maintaining a competitive team while managing their roster intelligently.
In exchange, the Cubs have parted ways with Christopher Morel, presenting as a promising batter and also 25 years old. Analysts note, "Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years." His 90th percentile exit velocity makes him comparable to well-regarded hitters like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. The Rays may consider positioning Morel at second base, left field, or even as a designated hitter. As one expert mentions, "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.’"
Also included in the deal are Bigge, 26, who has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, and Johnson, a 22-year-old recent pick from Ball State selected in last summer’s 15th round. These additional players will undoubtedly look to make a strong impression within Tampa Bay’s dynamic, talent-driven philosophy.
The Cubs' decision to reintroduce Isaac Paredes into their squad marks a notable chapter in the young third baseman's career. His return to Chicago represents an opportunity to leverage his existing skills under a team that believes in his potential growth, hoping to optimize their offensive lineup as the season progresses. For fans and analysts alike, this trade reiterates the unpredictable, high-stakes nature of Major League Baseball, where strategic decisions can make or break a season.