Cubs Acquire All-Star Isaac Paredes from Rays
In a significant move ahead of the trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs have acquired All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays. This deal saw the Cubs parting ways with Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge, and Ty Johnson to bring Paredes back to the organization he first joined in 2015.
Earlier in the day, Paredes played in a game for the Rays against the Cincinnati Reds, going 0 for 2 at the plate but drawing a walk. Despite a modest performance in that outing, Paredes boasts a strong season, hitting .245/.357/.435 with 16 home runs. This level of productivity recently earned him a selection as the Rays' All-Star representative.
The deal marks a homecoming of sorts for Paredes, who originally signed with the Cubs as an international amateur free agent out of Mexico in 2015. His journey has been eventful. Paredes was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2017 and made his MLB debut with them, experiencing fluctuating stints between the majors and minors from 2020 to 2021. Prior to the 2022 season, Paredes was traded to the Rays in exchange for Austin Meadows, and during his tenure in Tampa Bay, he solidified his status as a reliable third baseman.
For the Cubs, currently sitting at 50-56 and six games out of a wild-card spot, this acquisition could be pivotal. 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." With the addition of Paredes, the Cubs are bolstering their infield and adding a significant bat to their lineup.
The trade also sees the Cubs parting with Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge, and Ty Johnson. Morel, who is slashing .199/.302/.372 with 18 home runs this season, has struggled defensively, ranking last among all players with minus-12 outs above average at third base. However, Morel's potential remains intact as he will remain under team control through 2028, offering the Rays a long-term asset.
Hunter Bigge, 26, has shown promise since making his MLB debut earlier this season with a stellar 1.17 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings in the minors. Ty Johnson, 22, has also posted solid numbers in Single-A, with a 3.54 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 61 innings, indicating a depth of pitching talent that the Rays may develop further.
The Rays, currently 54-52 and 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot, have made a series of strategic trades recently, including the departures of Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, and Jason Adam. This restructuring suggests a clear vision as they navigate the second half of the season.
For both organizations, the trade represents a calculated risk and an opportunity to retool key positions. The Cubs, with the acquisition of Paredes, have signaled their intent to remain competitive while addressing a critical infield need. Concurrently, the Rays continue their pattern of acquiring young talent with potential, positioning themselves for sustained future success.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Isaac Paredes adapts to his new role in Chicago and whether he can provide the offensive and defensive stability the Cubs are counting on. Meanwhile, the development of Morel, Bigge, and Johnson in Tampa Bay will be closely watched as the Rays look to build on their promising core.