The Chicago Cubs have made a significant move to bolster their infield, 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.
Paredes' Recent Performance
Paredes, who played earlier in the day against the Cincinnati Reds, contributed to his team's win despite a modest 0-for-2 performance that included a walk. This season, Paredes has showcased his capability at the plate, hitting .245/.357/.435 with 16 home runs. Representing the Rays, Paredes was selected as an All-Star earlier this month, highlighting his talent and value on the field.
A Familiar Face Returns
Interestingly, Paredes has a history with the Cubs, having originally signed with them as an international amateur free agent from Mexico in 2015. However, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2017. Paredes made his MLB debut with the Tigers and spent a fluctuating period between the majors and minors from 2020 to 2021. Before the 2022 season, he was traded to the Rays in exchange for Austin Meadows.
Morel Heads to Tampa
Joining the Rays is Christopher Morel, a third baseman slashing .199/.302/.372 with 18 home runs this season. Despite his offensive struggles, Morel brings potential and under team control through 2028. Defensively, however, Morel has room for improvement, ranking last among all players with minus-12 outs above average at his position.
Bigge and Johnson's Minor League Success
Alongside Morel, the Rays receive Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson. Bigge, 26, made his MLB debut earlier this season, boasting an impressive 1.17 ERA with 23 strikeouts over 15 1/3 innings in the minors. Johnson, only 22, has also shown promise with a 3.54 ERA and 81 strikeouts across 61 innings in Single-A.
Strategic Moves by Cubs and Rays
The Cubs are currently 50-56, six games out of a wild-card spot, and this trade signifies their intent to strengthen their roster for a potential late-season push. "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," commented an insider.
For the Rays, who stand 54-52 and 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot, this trade aligns with their recent strategy of reconfiguring the roster. The Rays have also recently traded key players like Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam, signaling a broader strategy to either recalibrate for the future or make room for emerging talents within their system.
The acquisition of Paredes by the Cubs and the addition of Morel, Bigge, and Johnson to the Rays indicate both teams' willingness to make bold moves to address their needs and optimize their rosters. As the season progresses, the impact of these trades will unfold, potentially altering the landscape of the league.