Has A Revolving Door Been Locked?

We are a few days removed from the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline. One where the Chicago Cubs were sellers for the fourth time in five years. Over the last week the Cubs faced the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals and held a three game winning streak going into Saturday’s game against the Cardinals. They would lose that game, then win again on Sunday. These were the last four games the Cubs would be playing the Cardinals this season, they took 3- of -4 and lost the season series 7-6. However, today’s article is about a course correction Jed Hoyer made at the trade deadline which was long overdue.

Yes, the Christopher Morel for Isaac Paredes trade the very course correction. This is because with a few exceptions throughout history the Cubs have never head a long streak of years where they could say they had a starting third baseman. Both of these guys share an intriguing commonality in their beginnings: they were both signed as international free agents back in 2015 by the Jed Hoyer and Cubs. That was the year that marked the start of their respective journeys in professional baseball. Their paths since then, however, have taken different turns, leading them to become standout players in different ways. Let’s dive into the details of their careers and how they compare.

Morel and Paredes have both showcased impressive skills on the field, but their playing styles and the roles they play on their teams highlight their unique contributions to the sport. Morel, born in the Dominican Republic, has emerged as a versatile player with a dynamic presence both in the infield and outfield. His journey through the minor leagues was marked by consistent progress, and he quickly gained a reputation for his athleticism and versatility. This ability to adapt and excel in multiple positions made him a valuable asset for the Cubs, who saw in him the potential to fill various roles as needed.

Paredes, on the other hand, hails from Mexico and has primarily made his mark as a third baseman. His path to the majors was similarly characterized by a steady climb through the minor leagues, where he demonstrated his hitting prowess and solid defensive skills. Paredes’s ability to deliver at the plate, combined with his reliable fielding, made him an attractive prospect for the Cubs and later for other teams in the league.

One of the most fascinating aspects of their careers is how they have each responded to the challenges and opportunities presented to them. Morel’s versatility has allowed him to adapt to different positions, including outfield spots and various infield roles. This adaptability has been particularly valuable for the Cubs, especially when injuries or strategic decisions require flexibility in the lineup. Morel’s athleticism shines through in his defensive plays, where his quick reflexes and strong arm make him a reliable fielder in almost any position.

Paredes, while not as versatile in terms of the number of positions played, has carved out a niche for himself with his consistent performance at third base. His defensive skills are complemented by a strong arm, making him a reliable option at the hot corner. Offensively, Paredes has shown an ability to hit for average and power, contributing significantly to his team’s run production. His batting approach is marked by patience and an eye for making solid contact, which has translated into a respectable on-base percentage.

For Paredes, signing with the Cubs was a dream come true, and he quickly set about proving himself in the minor leagues. His work ethic and determination were evident from the start, and it wasn’t long before he began to catch the attention of scouts and coaches which ultimately caused the Cubs to trade him, according to Sports Illustrated, to the Detroit Tigers in a muli-player deal back in 2017. The Tigers would eventually trade Paredes to the Tampa Bay Rays in April of 2022 where he became a mainstay in their lineup starting regularly at third base.

One of the most interesting comparisons between Morel and Paredes is their offensive performance. Morel’s approach at the plate is characterized by a combination of speed and power. His ability to hit for extra bases, coupled with his speed on the basepaths, makes him a dynamic presence in the lineup. Morel’s swing mechanics and ability to make contact with a variety of pitches contributed to his success at the plate until this year when he was hitting a lot of flyouts, groundballs, and also striking out more.

Paredes, in contrast, relies more on his ability to make consistent contact and drive the ball with power. His batting approach is more traditional, focusing on making solid contact and driving the ball to all fields. Paredes’s power numbers have been impressive, with a good number of home runs and extra-base hits. His patience at the plate and ability to work counts in his favor contribute to his overall offensive production. While he may not have the same speed as Morel, Paredes’s power and consistency make him a valuable hitter in the lineup. To look closer at this let’s look at both of their batting stats from 2023 and this year until the trade (Courtesy Baseball Reference):

(Note: 2023 stats for both Morel and Paredes are from opening day to the trade deadline.)

Isaac Parades—

Christopher Morel—

Now, let’s take a look at what both players bring to the table defensively. Both have unique strengths: Morel’s versatility allows him to fill in at various positions as needed, making him an invaluable asset in situations where injuries or strategic decisions require flexibility. His athleticism and quick reflexes make him a solid defender, whether he’s playing in the infield or outfield. Morel’s ability to cover ground and make difficult plays look routine adds a layer of reliability to his defensive game.

Paredes’s defensive contributions are more focused on his role at third base. His strong arm and quick reactions make him a dependable fielder at the hot corner. Paredes’s ability to make accurate throws from difficult positions and his overall defensive awareness have earned him praise from coaches and teammates alike. While he may not have the same level of versatility as Morel, Paredes’s consistent performance at third base provides stability to his team’s defense.

The journey of both players from their signing in 2015 to their current status in the major leagues is a testament to their hard work and determination. Morel’s path has been characterized by his ability to adapt and excel in various positions, while Paredes’s journey has been marked by his consistent performance at third base and his offensive contributions. Their unique skill sets and playing styles have allowed them to carve out distinct roles for themselves in the league.

Morel’s versatility and athleticism have made him a valuable player for the Cubs, while Paredes’s consistent performance at third base and his offensive prowess have made him a standout player as well. Both players continue to develop and improve, and their future in the league looks bright. As they continue to make their mark in Major League Baseball, their journeys serve as a reminder of the diverse paths that players can take to achieve success in the sport.

Here’s the thing folks: It was rumored last July that the Cubs and Rays were talking about a deal that would have brought Parades to Chicago. That never happened because of how evenly matched they were. One year later it would appear that the Cubs president of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer pulled the trigger while in selling mode because Morel appeared to need a change of scenery since he was struggling with the bat. Add to Morel’s struggles at the plate the sheer fact that the Cubs need stability at third base and Paredes has a career WAR of 8.4 while Morel’s career WAR is a measly 2.4.

With that… it’ll be interesting to see how Paredes helps this team wrap up the 2024 campaign and what holes remain for Jed and company to fill this winter aside from getting a proven closer.

If you cannot play with them, then root for them.