With Randy Arozarena again Zach Eflin traded two days ago, the Rays have already gotten a jump on the restructuring and payroll cuts as the team still has a .500 streak (52-52). Isaac Paredes is another name that has gotten a lot of attention on the trade market, and ESPN’s Buster Olney (via X) reports that the Rangers have spoken to the Rays about Paredes, in addition to their previously reported interest Yandi Diaz.
Both the Astros and Mariners have also been linked to the market for Paredes, so the All-Star outfielder is generating a lot of interest within the AL West only as the Rangers have also joined the mix. It’s no surprise that clubs around baseball are scouting a player with Paredes’ combination of age (25), affordability, team control, and obvious talent on the diamond.
Paredes has blossomed during his three seasons in Tampa, including his 16 homers and a .249/.356/.441 slash line over 421 plate appearances this season. That translates to a 132 wRC+, just a touch below Paredes’ 137 mark over 571 PA in 2023. Outside of this case, Paredes has primarily played third base in terms of average completion distance depending on which metric you choose, but he’s also gotten decent time at first and (prior to this season) time at second base.
It’s safe to say that Paredes will stick to the hot corner if he comes with the Rangers, as a regular third baseman. Josh Jung he missed nearly the entire season due to wrist surgery, and a subsequent shutdown in a minor league rehab assignment due to persistent pain. Jung made a fresh rehab start yesterday (going 1-for-3 with Double-A Frisco) but it may be a week or two before he rejoins the lineup, given how he’ll need some time to get his time back of that. long layoffs.
Josh SmithExcellent play at third base helped Texas manage Jung’s absence to some extent, and the left-handed hitter from Smith paired well with the right-handed Paredes. That platoon aspect could give Paredes some time early on when the left-handed starter is on the mound, thus giving the Rangers a chance to stay. Nathaniel Lowe. Even if Jung is back soon in August, that doesn’t create any disruption to actual playing time, as the Rangers can rotate any of these players into the DH spot with everyone playing more or less every day.
Paredes is a Super Two player, and is making $3.4MM this season in the first of four arbitration-eligible seasons. Adding Paredes would bring another long-term option to a Rangers roster that already has plenty of pieces locked in place. Corey Seager again Marcus Semien are signed to great deals, and Lowe’s, Adolis Garciaagain Jonah Heim are controlled by the arb until 2026. Leody Taveras controlled by arb until 2027, Jung and Smith until 2028, and star prospects Evan Carter again Wyatt Langford both are still rookies. Justin Foscue another notable prospect in his rookie season, as well as a shortstop prospect Sebastian Walcott he is at least a few years away from his MLB debut but still less than this wide span.
If the Rangers feel this creates any kind of longjam or if they feel Jung is developing well, they could pursue a rental type of infielder instead of Paredes. Such a move would come at a very low cost, as Tampa Bay wants a ton in any trade for Paredes. Given his years of control and the fact that the Rays plan to contend again in 2025, Tampa is under no pressure to trade Paredes any time soon, as even a healthy raise this winter should still fit him well within the Rays’ limited salary. boundaries.
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