Tampa Bay Puts Another Star On Trade Block; Blue Jays, Mariners Interested

Coming off a $735,000 salary in 2023, during which he broke out big-time with a 31-HR, 98-RBI season, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Isaac Paredes is entering arbitration, and he'll be in for a nice raise. Which can only mean one thing for the cost-conscious Rays...

Isaac Paredes is one name to watch on the trade market this week. He’s arbitration-eligible, which means the Rays will listen on him. He’s of interest to the Mariners and Blue Jays, among other teams. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 3, 2023

As noted by baseball insider Jon Morosi, Paredes is a "name to watch on the trade market" as teams gather for the annual Winter Meetings this week. He's expected to make $4M in arbitration this coming season.

Morosi names two teams that are already notably interested:

Toronto Blue Jays

The Jays have had the luxury of Gold Glover Matt Chapman at third base for the past couple of seasons, but those days appear to be over as he enters free agency and is not expected to return. With a gaping hole at third, acquiring Paredes would accomplish two things for Toronto this offseason: filling the hot corner, and adding a big bat to a flagging offense, another of their state goals this winter.

Seattle Mariners

Another team that has lost its third baseman since the 2023 ended, the M's traded Eugenio Suarez to the Arizona Diamondbacks last month, and are in need of a big bat to replace him. Paredes fills the void for Seattle.

In his first full season in 2023, the 24-year-old infielder out of Mexico batted .250 with a .352 on-base, a .488 slugging and an .848 OPS, for an overall OPS+ of a rousing 131 (31% above the average major leaguer). He's also a respectable defender at third base, and adds the flexibility of being able to play second, first, and even shortstop in a pinch.

With four years of team control, teams will have to surrender some good assets to acquire him in a deal from the Rays.

Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports