Cubs Trade for Controllable Power Bat

Last week, the Chicago Cubs revealed that 2025 and beyond would be a priority at the upcoming trade deadline. But on Sunday, multiple reports indicate that the Cubs will trade for Tamps Bay Rays infielder Isaac Paredes. In return, the Rays will acquire Christopher Morel and two pitching prospects, Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson.

TRADE: The Cubs are acquiring Isaac Paredes from the Rays for Christopher Morel and two prospects, per @JeffPassan, @Feinsand pic.twitter.com/86xjd6qr9F

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) July 28, 2024

Chicago Cubs Trade For Isaac Paredes

This season, Paredes is hitting .247/.355/.438 (127 OPS+) with 16 home runs and 19 doubles. The Cubs will likely use Paredes at third base, especially with Morel heading to Tampa Bay in the trade. But, he can also fill in at first base if needed.

Not only is he a home run threat, but Paredes also produces great walk and strikeout rates. For his career, Paredes has struck out at a 17.5 percent clip with a 10.9 percent walk rate. Both are well above average. Plus, his chase rate has been one of the lowest in the league over the past two seasons.

The 25-year-old generated league-wide interest, especially from real contenders. On Sunday morning, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Yankees and Dodgers were driving a bidding war for the corner infielder.

There is currently a bidding war going on between the #Dodgers and the #Yankees for #Rays INF Isaac Paredes, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/6y7atLRBwj

— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) July 28, 2024

So, it’s a little surprising that Chicago won the Paredes sweepstakes. Many expected the Cubs to acquire prospects or high-upside, not-yet-established players in exchange for veteran players. However, the Paredes trade is the second Cubs deal this weekend that will help the team contend in 2024 and beyond.

Isaac Paredes’ ranking among third basemen since the start of 2023:

WAR: 3rd (7.2)
wOBA: 3rd (.356)
wRC+: 3rd (134)
RBI: 153 (4th)
HRs: 47 (5th)

One of the top players at his position in the game, and just 25 years old and under contract through 2027.

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) July 28, 2024

That said, Chicago knows the odds of making the postseason this year are slim. The Cubs decided to trade three young assets for Paredes largely due to his contract. Paredes will earn $3.4 million in 2024 and is under control for three more seasons via arbitration.

Although this season hasn’t turned out as hoped in Wrigleyville, the organization still expects to contend in 2025. Chicago expects Paredes to be more useful in that goal than Morel or the other two prospects.