The Major League Baseball world has witnessed yet another seismic shift as All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes is once again on the move. The Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays reached a significant agreement just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, sending Paredes back to the Cubs—a team familiar to him, as it was the very club that originally signed him as an amateur.
Paredes’ journey through Major League Baseball reads like a true odyssey. Initially signed by the Cubs, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers, then found his way to the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, at 25 years old, he’s heading back to the Windy City. Throughout his career, Paredes has developed a reputation as a solid hitter with a slash line of .237/.340/.458 and an OPS+ of 126, amassing 67 home runs in 354 games. His performance places him just behind elite names like Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado among regular third basemen during that span.
However, Paredes isn’t without his flaws. According to Statcast, his average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile, suggesting room for improvement in his hitting power. Additionally, Robert Orr’s database indicates that Paredes tends to pull a larger share of fly balls than any other player in the majors. Statcast further estimates that had Paredes played at Wrigley Field, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer over his career, which presents an intriguing consideration for Cubs fans.
Despite these metrics, the Cubs see untapped potential in Paredes, particularly given that his contract offers team control through the 2027 season. This proposition has the Cubs hopeful that his addition will bolster their batting capacity and overall team dynamics. The Cubs are banking on the idea that Paredes' strengths will complement their strategy moving forward.
The trade also sees Christopher Morel moving to Tampa Bay—a 25-year-old promising batter with a 90th percentile exit velocity, a mark that makes him comparable to players like Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson. Analysts have weighed in, suggesting, "Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years." The Rays might look to position Morel at second base, left field, or as a designated hitter. One expert speculated, "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.'"
In addition to Morel, the deal includes Bigge, a 26-year-old who has made four big-league appearances this season with the Cubs, and Johnson, a 22-year-old recent pick from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round. These new additions offer the Rays a blend of fresh talent and experience, aligning with their strategy of maintaining a competitive edge.
The Rays have been active this trade season, parting ways with key players like Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and, of course, Isaac Paredes. Despite these trades, the Rays have managed to remain competitive, coming off a season where they won 99 games. Currently, they’re only half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the famed "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox.
Reflecting on the Rays' management style, it’s clear that those in charge in St. Petersburg admire bold decision-making. "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due," commented one observer, alluding to the Rays' willingness to make significant trades despite their successful track record.
As the deadline approaches and teams finalize their rosters for the stretch run, it’s evident that the trade of Isaac Paredes back to the Cubs is poised to have significant implications for both franchises involved. Chicago hopes that Paredes can unlock his full potential in a familiar setting, while Tampa Bay continues to look towards the future, ever the innovators in the MLB landscape.