Cubs Add Rays Isaac Paredes: Trade Breakdown on Players Involved
Sportsgrid Staff
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Ty Johnson
RHP Ty Johnson, a 15th-round pick for the Cubs in 2023, has split his time as both a starter and reliever in Low-A and High-A this season. He has a 3.48 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in Low-A and a 3.62 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP in High-A. Johnson's development will be crucial for the Rays' future pitching depth.
Isaac Paredes
Isaac Paredes, the Rays' lone All-Star in 2024, has been a hot commodity on the market with three-and-a-half years of team control remaining. Paredes is slashing .247/.355/.438 with 16 home runs and 55 RBI in 425 plate appearances this season. Ranked among the top 30 players in the league for both fWAR (2.9) and wRC+ (130), he provides a significant upgrade for the Cubs, who are six games back from the final NL Wild Card spot.
The Cubs have struggled at third base, ranking 28th in fWAR and among the lowest in average, OBP, and SLG at the position. Paredes will immediately slot in as the starting third baseman, likely batting in the heart of their order alongside Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki, and Ian Happ. This acquisition could make the Cubs a more attractive betting option as they fight for a playoff spot.
Christopher Morel
Christopher Morel, who heads to the Rays in return, has had a tough 2024 season, hitting .199 with a .676 OPS, a 93 wRC+, and a -0.1 fWAR. However, his ability to draw walks (11.2% walk rate) and his better performance against right-handed pitching make him a valuable asset for the Rays. His defensive versatility and potential to fit into a platoon role align with the Rays' strategic preferences.
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Hunter Bigge
RHP Hunter Bigge, another addition for the Rays, could become a breakout reliever. Bigge posted a 2.70 ERA with five strikeouts in 3.1 major league innings this season and has impressive Triple-A stats with a 0.68 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, and a 41.7% strikeout rate over 13.1 innings. His potential impact on the Rays' bullpen could influence betting odds for their games.
Ty Johnson
RHP Ty Johnson, a 15th-round pick for the Cubs in 2023, has split his time as both a starter and reliever in Low-A and High-A this season. He has a 3.48 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in Low-A and a 3.62 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP in High-A. Johnson's development will be crucial for the Rays' future pitching depth.
Isaac Paredes
Isaac Paredes, the Rays' lone All-Star in 2024, has been a hot commodity on the market with three-and-a-half years of team control remaining. Paredes is slashing .247/.355/.438 with 16 home runs and 55 RBI in 425 plate appearances this season. Ranked among the top 30 players in the league for both fWAR (2.9) and wRC+ (130), he provides a significant upgrade for the Cubs, who are six games back from the final NL Wild Card spot.
The Cubs have struggled at third base, ranking 28th in fWAR and among the lowest in average, OBP, and SLG at the position. Paredes will immediately slot in as the starting third baseman, likely batting in the heart of their order alongside Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki, and Ian Happ. This acquisition could make the Cubs a more attractive betting option as they fight for a playoff spot.
