Cubs acquire All-Star Isaac Paredes in trade with Rays
Cubs have bought All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Rays in exchange for Christopher Morel and two pitching prospects.
By Jesse Rogers
28 July 2024, 07:42 7:42
The Cubs and Rays exchanged third basemen on Sunday in Tampa Bay, including Christopher Morel heading to Tampa Bay all-star Isaac Paredes goes back to Chicago.
Cubs will also bring two players they could sign, including players Ty Johnson and Hunter Bigge to their Rays in the newly signed deal.
Paredes immediately will be third baseman for the Cubs third baseman. He will serve as the team’s first baseman as the team has been searching for the best solution to this position following the departure of Kris Bryant in 2021.
“As we’ve previously stated, our goal is signing players who will aid us, not just during this season but in the coming seasons,” Cubs president Jed Hoyer announced in a statement. “In the last couple of days, we’ve believed we’ve achieved this goal by trading those players who can be easily controlled. The signing of Paredes will provide a reliable baseball bat to our arsenal right away and over the coming years. “
the 25-year old Paredes hits .247 hitting the doubles with 19 and homers of 16 the current season. He was initially employed by the Cubs but didn’t participate in their games until Paredes was traded to the Detroit Tigers in the trade of the deadline in 2017.
Morel 25 was a player as a third baseman for the Cubs in the past with different degrees of improvement in defense, but his offensive output slowed down following two promising years of professional baseball.
Both players are under the team’s supervision for the next few seasons, until they become allowed to become free agents.
As a the designated batter on Sunday Morel had set record for career highs with seven homers, and 70 RBIs, and an .247 batsman’s percentage in the previous season took off in the 2nd third inning of Sunday’s 7-3 victory against the Royals and received warm greetings by his teammates in the Cubs at-bat in the third inning’s bottom. He was replaced by a pinch-hitter near the fourth inning’s end.
“He’s an extraordinary individual. We’ll miss his enthusiasm and smile.” Cubs outfielder Pete’Crow’ Armstrong spoke about Morel.
Morel Hits .199 for an average 18 homers this season.
“It’s unusual to tell anyone in a game they’ve sold them. It was undoubtedly shocking and unexpected for Chris,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “He’s been able to provide Cubs fans with a lot of fond memories during his brief duration. We believe that we have a veteran third baseman who is an efficient offensive player for the team and who can do well for us at this position.
“He is a person who has an personality and manner that makes it fun for those who be around him. He’s a fan of the game and the enthusiasm in his lifestyle is apparent regardless of circumstances. It’s evident from the manner in which people are treated by him. He’s an inspiration to all. “
Bigge 26-year-old Bigge made his MLB debut earlier in the month after being selected on the 12th rd. of the draft in 2019. Johnson was selected by the team in the 15th round of 2023’s selection. He’s currently playing at the level of Class A during the season.
Both teams are going through a change. They are both in transition. Rays have signed several deals before trading deadline. They shipped relief pitcher Jason Adam on Sunday and as well Randy Arozarena and Zach Eflin earlier in this period. The Cubs began the day at the middle in the NL Central, acquired reliever Nate Pearson on Saturday, promising to revamp their roster while keeping their future in the forefront of their minds.
Associated Press contributed to this report.