Isaac Paredes. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Cubs surprisingly trade for Rays All-Star

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated Jul 28, 2024 6:00 PM ET

With a 51-56 record and nine-and-a-half games out of first place in the National League Central division, the Chicago Cubs have not let that stop them from making deals to improve their team.

A day after trading with the Toronto Blue Jays for relief pitcher Nate Pearson, the Cubs struck a deal with another American League East division team.

This time they acquired Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Isaac Paredes in exchange for Cubs third baseman Christopher Morel and two prospects.

BREAKING: The Chicago Cubs are acquiring third baseman Isaac Paredes in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 28, 2024

Slashing .245/.357/.435 with 16 home runs and 55 RBI in 101 games this season, Paredes is coming off a career year in 2023 that saw him smash 30 home runs with 98 RBI for the Rays. A versatile defender who can play both third and first base, he gives the Cubs a reliable bat to slot into the lineup and is under team control for three more seasons.

In return, the Rays are getting a player in Morel with massive power, but one who has holes in his game that best suit him for the designated hitter spot. Currently slashing .199/.302/.373, the 25-year-old has 18 home runs and 51 RBI in 103 games played this season.

Also in the trade was the Cubs' 29th-ranked prospect pitcher Hunter Bigge and pitcher Ty Johnson.

Bigge made his MLB debut this season, posting a 2.70 ERA with five strikeouts in 3.1 innings pitched and has a 1.17 ERA while going six-for-six on save opportunities across three minor league levels in 2024.

Johnson was a 15th-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft and has gone 1-4 with a 3.54 ERA while striking out 81 batters in 61 innings pitched across two minor league levels in his first season as a professional.

While the Cubs' chances at the playoffs look bleak in 2024, adding Paredes is a move that will give them a boost this season and in the future.

Michael Carpenter

Michael is a California kid, living in Arizona as a graduate of The Cronkite School of Journalism, Forks Up. He believes Yadier Molina will be in the Hall, and Dez caught it. Michael njoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two beautiful daughters or playing video games. You can find him on Twitter @_MCSports.

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