On Sunday, the Chicago Cubs caused a major stir in Major League Baseball by unexpectedly trading for Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Isaac Paredes. In exchange, the Cubs sent struggling third baseman Christopher Morel, along with pitching prospects Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson, to Tampa Bay. This trade was particularly surprising as the Cubs were not anticipated to make significant moves before the July 30 trade deadline. Fans were more focused on speculating which players might be traded away due to the team’s ongoing struggles.
Adding to the shock was the reported competition for Paredes between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, which was just hours before the Cubs finalized the deal. Jed Hoyer’s sudden acquisition of Paredes highlights how unexpected teams can make last-minute moves.
The Cubs acquire Isaac Paredes pic.twitter.com/96r7SInxZZ
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 28, 2024
This trade has the potential to be a savvy decision by Hoyer if Paredes continues to develop well. Rather than a temporary fix, this move secures Paredes through the 2027 season, adding significant long-term value. As the Cubs remain on the edge of playoff contention, Paredes’ presence not only addresses an immediate need for a strong bat but also strengthens the lineup for the foreseeable future.
Isaac Paredes got his start with Chicago Cubs
Isaac Paredes, now 25, makes his return to the Cubs seven years after being traded to the Detroit Tigers for Jeimer Candelario. Initially signed by the Cubs in 2015 as an international free agent from Mexico, Paredes debuted in the majors with the Tigers in late 2020, appearing in 34 games. He played only 23 games in 2021 before being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays at the start of the 2022 season.
During his two and a half seasons with the Rays, Paredes has hit 67 home runs and posted a .798 OPS, earning his first All-Star selection this year. Though primarily a third baseman, he has also played first base, second base, and occasionally shortstop.
Paredes will replace Christopher Morel at third base for the Cubs. While Morel has shown promise, he has struggled both offensively and defensively this season, batting just .199/.302/.374 for a .676 OPS. Despite hitting 18 home runs and driving in 51 RBIs, his inconsistent performance has negatively impacted his overall numbers.
In contrast, Paredes is currently hitting .247/.355/.438, which equates to a .798 OPS. His advanced stats also surpass Morel’s: Paredes has a 16% strikeout rate in 2024 compared to Morel’s 24.5%, and his walk rate is slightly better at 12% versus Morel’s 11.2%. Additionally, Paredes offers superior defensive skills at third base, enhancing his value to the Cubs.
The Cubs give up two pitching prospects
The trade also included two right-handed pitching prospects along with Morel: 22-year-old Ty Johnson and 26-year-old Hunter Bigge. Johnson, drafted by the Cubs in the 15th round of 2023, has not yet made his MLB debut but has a 3.54 ERA across 18 games (10 starts) this season for Single-A Myrtle Beach and High-A South Bend.
Bigge, who debuted in the majors this season, has had a fluctuating stint between the Cubs and Triple-A Iowa. He has pitched just 3 1/3 innings for the Cubs, posting a 2.70 ERA. The Cubs had high hopes for Bigge as a potential key piece of their bullpen in the future.
The Cubs managed to keep their top prospects in this deal. While losing Morel, who is popular among fans and teammates, is difficult, Paredes has demonstrated a blend of power and steady contact that could benefit the Cubs more in the long run.
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