The Tampa Bay Rays‘ firesale continued on Sunday as they traded third baseman Isaac Paredes to the Chicago Cubs in a surprise move, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported.
According to MLB Network’s Mark Feinsand, the Rays are acquiring third baseman Christopher Morel, RHP Hunter Bigge and RHP prospect Ty Johnson.
Paredes, 25, was named an all-star for the first time in his young career this season after slashing .247/.355/.438 with 16 home runs and 19 doubles. He had a career year last season, batting .250, hitting 31 homers and picking up 98 RBIs.
The Hermosillo, Mexico native has three years left of control before he’s eligible for free agency and will earn only $3.4 million this season, giving the Cubs a piece to build around for the future while also staying competitive this season.
Morel, 25, has been a highly coveted player by the Rays according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. He is slashing .199/.302/.374 with 18 home runs this season.
Tampa Bay traded reliever Jason Adam to the San Diego Padres earlier on Sunday. They also dealt Zach Eflin to the Orioles and Randy Arozarena to the Mariners earlier in the week.
