Former All-Star infielder traded by the Rays to an unexpected teaM

Before Tuesday’s trade deadline, the Tampa Bay Rays traded another player, but this time, the recipient was unexpected.

 

Several reports state that the Rays sent infielder Christopher Morel and two prospects to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for infielder Isaac Paredes. Ty Johnson and Hunter Biggee are not among the Cubs system’s top prospects.

 

There are several reasons why this trade is unexpected. Most significantly, prior to the deadline, the Cubs had positioned themselves as sellers rather than buyers. Paredes does, however, remain under team control through 2027, so the Cubs will still be able to benefit from him in upcoming campaigns. The inclusion of Morel instead of prospects is the other oddity. Despite having a.199 batting average this season, he is the Rays’ main player in this transaction.

The Rays probably think they can help the infielder regain the form that allowed him to hit.247 with 26 home runs in the previous season. Morel’s power has always been his selling point. He will be governed by the team until 2028.