Cubs Strike Gold: Former Rays Batting Champion Heads to Chicago in Earth-Shaking Trade
In a blockbuster move that has shaken up Major League Baseball, the Chicago Cubs have acquired All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays in a trade that signals the North Siders are going all in on a playoff push. The deal, finalized on July 28, 2024, saw the Cubs send fan-favorite infielder Christopher Morel and two promising right-handed pitching prospects—Ty Johnson and Hunter Bigge—to the Rays in exchange for one of the American League’s most disciplined and productive hitters.
Paredes, 25, brings an impressive resume to Chicago. In 2024, he posted a .245 batting average with a .357 on-base percentage and .435 slugging, along with 16 home runs and 55 RBIs in just 101 games. What sets Paredes apart is his elite plate discipline—ranking in the 91st percentile in walk rate and 89th percentile in whiff rate. His ability to control at-bats and drive the ball to all fields makes him a dangerous addition to any lineup. With the Cubs struggling to find consistency at third base, Paredes is expected to be an immediate upgrade both offensively and defensively.
Originally signed by the Cubs as a teenager in 2015, Paredes was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2017 in the deal that brought Alex Avila and Justin Wilson to Chicago. After a stint with Detroit, he was dealt to Tampa Bay in 2022, where he blossomed into one of the most reliable hitters in the American League. Now, in a poetic twist, he returns to the organization that first discovered his potential.
For the Cubs, this move underscores their commitment to contend in the National League Central. After an inconsistent start to the 2025 season, the front office saw Paredes as the missing piece in their lineup. His ability to get on base, hit for power, and provide steady defense at the hot corner will be crucial as the team battles division rivals down the stretch.
On the other side of the deal, the Rays acquire a high-upside, power-hitting infielder in Christopher Morel. Known for his passion and versatility, Morel hit 26 home runs and tallied 70 RBIs in 2023. Though he experienced a slump in 2024, the Rays hope a change of scenery will allow him to rediscover his form. The two pitching prospects, Johnson and Bigge, add depth to Tampa Bay’s already impressive development pipeline.
Fans in Chicago are already buzzing about the trade, with expectations rising as the Cubs gear up for a pivotal series against the Pittsburgh Pirates starting April 29. Paredes is expected to slot into the middle of the order and contribute immediately, giving manager Craig Counsell another potent bat to work with.
With this high-profile acquisition, the Cubs have sent a clear message to the league: they’re ready to compete, and they’re not afraid to make bold moves to do it.
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