The Chicago Cubs have made a notable move as the trade deadline approaches, 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 Tampa Bay. The decision reflects the Cubs' confidence in Paredes' abilities to enhance their infield and contribute to their offensive strategy.
Isaac Paredes, who was recently selected as the Rays' All-Star representative, is hitting .245/.357/.435 with 16 home runs this season. In his most recent game, a victory over the Cincinnati Reds, Paredes contributed a walk despite going 0 for 2 at the plate. Originally signed by the Cubs as an international amateur free agent out of Mexico in 2015, Paredes' journey has seen him traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2017 where he made his MLB debut and oscillated between the majors and minors from 2020 to 2021. He joined the Rays prior to the 2022 season in exchange for Austin Meadows and has since established himself as a reliable third baseman.
The Cubs' recent performance places them in a challenging position, with a 50-56 record that leaves them six games out of a wild-card spot. The acquisition of Paredes is seen as a strategic move by the Cubs' management. As one insider noted, "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."
In Morel, Bigge, and Johnson, the Cubs have traded away some promising talent. Christopher Morel, who has slashed .199/.302/.372 with 18 home runs this season, will transfer to the Rays. Despite his offensive efforts, Morel has ranked last among all players with minus-12 outs above average at third base, a defensive metric that likely influenced the Cubs' decision. Morel remains under team control through 2028, providing the Rays with a potential long-term asset.
Hunter Bigge, a 26-year-old pitcher, made his MLB debut earlier this season. In his limited time in the minors, Bigge has impressed with a 1.17 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings. Ty Johnson, 22, has also shown promise with a 3.54 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 61 innings in Single-A. The inclusion of these young pitchers in the trade highlights the Cubs' focus on immediate major league talent over future potential.
For the Rays, this trade comes at a time of transition. Currently holding a 54-52 record and sitting 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot, the Rays have been active sellers. The recent trades of Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam underscore their shift toward a rebuilding phase focused on younger, controllable talent.
Paredes' return to the Cubs is a full-circle moment in his career, bringing his seasoned experience and burgeoning talents back to where his professional journey began. With Paredes’ established power-hitting and defensive skills at third base, the Cubs are hopeful this move propels them closer to the playoff contention line.
The impacts of this trade will unfold over the coming months, offering a fresh mix of talent and strategy for both the Cubs and the Rays. As the Cubs integrate Paredes into their lineup and the Rays welcome their new acquisitions, both teams and their fans will be watching closely, gauging how these changes will shape their futures.