Cubs trade with Rays for All-Star Isaac Paredes.
On Sunday, the Cubs and Rays traded third basemen: All-Star Isaac Paredes returned to Chicago, and Christopher Morel went to Tampa Bay.
In the previously announced trade, the Cubs are also sending two prospects to the Rays: pitchers Ty Johnson and Hunter Bigge.
The Cubs have been looking for a solution at third base since trading for Kris Bryant in 2021, and Paredes will take over as the team’s starting third baseman right away.
By making trades for those kinds of controllable players over the past two days, we believe we have made progress toward that goal. Paredes’ acquisition gives our lineup an experienced bat both now and in the future.”
The 25-year-old Paredes was signed by the Cubs initially but was never used by them as he was moved to the Detroit Tigers in a 2017 deadline transaction. This season, he is hitting.247 with 16 home runs and 19 doubles.
After a strong first two years of his career, Morel, 25, has played third base for the Cubs this season, showing varied degrees of progress on defense. However, his offensive production had largely stagnated.
Before becoming free agents, both players have a few more seasons left under team control.
With a 7-3 victory over the Royals on Sunday, Morel—who was serving as the designated hitter—popped out in the second inning and received some hugs in the Cubs dugout in the bottom of the third. Last season, Morel set career highs with 26 home runs, 70 RBIs, and a.247 batting average. In the fourth, a pinch hitter took his place.
“He is a unique person. For sure, we’ll miss his smile and his enthusiasm,” Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong remarked of Morel.
Morel is making contact.199 this season, with a team-high 18 home runs.
Telling someone they’ve been traded during a game is always awkward. Chris found it stunning and unexpected, according to Cubs manager Craig Counsell. “In a brief period of time, he has brought many memories to Cubs fans.” Ultimately, we believe we have a third baseman who can play a great offensive role for us at that position and has been a terrific offensive player in this league.
His attitude and mannerisms make him enjoyable to be around. He enjoys playing, and regardless of the circumstances, he always has a positive attitude on life. It’s evident in the way he handles people. He sets a good example for everyone.”
Bigge, 26, was selected in the 12th round of the 2019 MLB Draft and made his debut this month. This season, Johnson has been pitching at the Class-A level after being selected in the fifteenth round of the 2023 draft.
Both groups are going through a change. The Rays have moved reliever Jason Adam on Sunday and shipped out Zach Eflin and Randy Arozarena earlier in the week in anticipation of the trade deadline. The Cubs, who pledged to restructure their roster with future seasons in mind, acquired reliever Nate Pearson on Saturday and started the season in last place in the NL Central.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Rays deal Cubs All-Star Isaac Paredes.
As the trade deadline draws near, the Tampa Bay Rays shocked both their fan base and the league by dealing away All-Star and third baseman Isaac Parades on Sunday.
Days have passed since the Rays traded outfielder Randy Arozarena, a fan favorite, to the Seattle Mariners on Thursday night. Minor league prospects Brody Hopkins, Aidan Smith, and a player to be named later were sent to Tampa Bay as part of the trade.
The Rays announced that Paredes was traded to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for pitchers Ty Johnson and Hunter Bigge as well as third baseman Christopher Morel.
According to ESPN, Paredes will take over as the Cubs‘ starting third baseman right away. After the Rays’ three-game homestand against the Cincinnati Reds ended, with the Rays winning the series 2-1, the deal was made.
Even though Morel is a Cubs player this year, ESPN reported that while he has shown “varying degrees of improvement on defense,” his offensive output has “stalled” following a bright career beginning.
The hitmaker, 25, hit.26 home runs and 247 last year. In 103 games this season with the Cubs, he batted.199 with seven doubles, one triple, a team-high 18 home runs, 51 RBI, and seven steals.
Conversely, in 101 games with the Rays this season, Paredes hit.245 with 19 doubles, 1 triple, 16 home runs, 55 RBI, and 52 walks. He played in 355 games for Tampa Bay, where he hit.236 with 59 doubles, one triple, 67 home runs, 198 RBI, and 154 walks.
After moving starter Zack Eflin earlier this week, Arozarena, and reliever Jason Adams on Sunday, it appears like the Rays are in a transitional phase.
The deadline for Major League Baseball trades is July 30 at 6:00 p.m.
