Isaac Paredes Traded to Cubs; Rays Get Christopher Morel, Ty Johnson and Hunter Bigge

Isaac Paredes is headed to the Friendly Confines.

The Tampa Bay Rays are trading the All-Star third baseman to the Chicago Cubs for a return that includes Christopher Morel and prospects Ty Johnson and Hunter Bigge, the team announced Sunday.

The move comes as Paredes had been linked to teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and Houston Astros ahead of the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline.

Paredes is hitting .247/.355/.438 with 16 home runs and 55 RBIs in 2024. He has been playing third base for the majority of his games in 2024, but has seen time at first base and designated hitter as well. Additionally, he has played shortstop and second base earlier in his career.

The move allows the Rays to recoup assets like Morel, who has multiple years of control and is in need of a change in scenery. He is hitting just .199 in 2024, but notably has 18 home runs and 51 RBIs.

Paredes also has multiple years of control and will be a long-term investment for Chicago. This is important, as the current playoff chances for the Cubs are not very high.

Chicago is 50-56 and currently sits in last place in the NL Central. The team is six games out of the final Wild Card spot and while a run is technically possible, it certainly is not likely enough to trigger a true rental.

The acquisition of Paredes bolsters the Cubs infield and also could allow the team to sell of other pieces like outfielder Cody Bellinger without seeing too much of a decline in the lineups production.

The 2024 MLB Trade Deadline is set for July 30 at 6 p.m. ET.