Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reported that the Rays have extensively scouted the Yankees’ farm system, and while that’s not a guarantee that these two teams will make a deal, it does create some intrigue. One of the players that could be on the trading block is Isaac Paredes, Tampa Bay’s lone All-Star representative and a very deserving one at that. With dazzling offensive numbers that would boost any lineup, the 25-year-old infielder has multiple years of control following the 2024 campaign.
Isaac Paredes is one of the best third basemen in the game, and while it would cost a fortune to get him, they should be all-in on acquiring his services this July.
Why Isaac Paredes Could Take the Yankees to the Next Level
What the Yankees need right now is depth in their lineup, but I think that needs to specifically be in the power department. A lot of their home runs and barrels come from Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Giancarlo Stanton, which isn’t great for trying to consistently score runs regardless of lineup position. This season, Paredes has a 136 wRC+ and 15 home runs, showing off an excellent ability to drive the ball to left field for home runs while also getting on base at a high clip.
Sure, the exit velocity and expected numbers are underwhelming, but those can lag behind as long as a hitter can consistently drive the ball to their poolside in the air. Pulled flyballs, even when not hit extremely hard, leave the ballpark at a high rate, and that makes Isaac Paredes one of the best home run hitters at the third base position. It seems strange that a hitter with his size and frame can’t run high barrel rates or hard-hit rates, but his approach has resulted in him quickly becoming one of the best players in the game.
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Isaac Paredes is tied with Rafael Devers as the best hitter among this group of top third basemen over the last two seasons, but unlike Devers, he’s a strong defensive infielder. He won’t win a Gold Glove, but he’ll help the Yankees defensively at the hot corner and will have Anthony Volpe to his left to help him as well. One of the best third basemen in baseball, Paredes would immediately provide the exact kind of punch the Yankees are looking for, giving them a deep lineup with tons of power.
While he doesn’t profile as a leadoff hitter, there are the skills of a player who could benefit from hitting atop the lineup in front of Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. We know how often pitchers attack the hitters in front of Soto and Judge, and Paredes would make it even harder for an opponent to try and navigate through this lineup. A top four that includes Isaac Paredes, Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton would be incredibly difficult to navigate through, and the rest of the lineup gets better as a result.
Ben Rice and Austin Wells hitting 5th and 6th in the lineup instead of 1st and 4th would give them more depth in the order, and if guys like Anthony Volpe and Alex Verdugo can get back to the league average, you’re suddenly looking at a really deep offense. They would need to figure out second base, but Gleyber Torres could reasonably improve and Jon Berti has been a solid veteran for years, although his PRP injection has halted a return to the Bronx.
What the Yankees do this upcoming trade deadline will set the tone for what should be a very competitive American League East battle. They have to go out and make big moves if they want to dominate in the AL, and Isaac Paredes would be the perfect piece for a team lacking a third baseman.