CHGO Digest: Cubs trade Morel for Paredes, Pierzynski steals headlines

Good morning, friends!

How do we feel about #HugWatch?

It felt a little awkward watching a visibly emotional Christopher Morel say goodbye to his former teammates on live television during the Cubs’ win on Sunday.

I suppose that’s the price we pay for the excitement and chaos that typically ensues during deadline week. Well, that and the insomnia from doomscrolling Twitter awaiting updates.

— Patrick Norton

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What to expect ahead of deadline after Cubs trade Morel

Acquiring Isaac Paredes doesn’t automatically put the Cubs squarely in the “buyers” mix, but it does align with what Jed Hoyer said was the plan heading into the deadline: build for 2025 and beyond.

Paredes does that, and who knows… maybe his bat sparks a few rallies and the Cubs find themselves in the Wild Card picture in September.

• Paredes is just 25 years old and under team control through 2027. Since landing in Tampa in 2022 via the Tigers (by way of the Cubs), Paredes has developed a knack for pull-side power but has the ability to put the ball in play when necessary.
  
• Hoyer also added project reliever Nate Pearson from the Blue Jays on Saturday for a prospect package. Pearson has struggled in the big leagues, sporting a 5.21 ERA, but excels in strikeout and whiff rates.
  
• So what’s next for the Cubs? Buying on Paredes is a significant shake-up to the mix. Could somebody like Nico Hoerner or Seiya Suzuki be on the move before 5 p.m. on Tuesday? Or should we expect smaller-scale moves involving Mark Leiter Jr, Hector Neris, or Mike Tauchman?
  

🎧 LISTEN | CHGO Cubs’ Corey Freedman and Brendan Miller break down the surprising blockbuster deal for Isaac Paredes.

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Last Train to London! RSVP ends 7/31

What’s better than following CHGO online? Following us to London in real life! If you’re having trouble finding your best path to watching the Bears in London this October, look no further! But act quickly — the deadline to RSVP is July 31!

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A.J. Pierzynski?

A.J. Pierzynski. Yep, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, A.J. Pierzynski has “quietly emerged as a serious candidate” for the White Sox’s managerial position if when it opens.

The former White Sox world champion catcher certainly has the name power to bring intrigue back to the South Side, but is Pierzynski’s name being used as a diversion or is there legitimate interest?

• Sunday’s loss to the Texas Rangers marked the Sox’s second 14-game losing streak in franchise history — also the team’s second this season. At 27-81, the White Sox remain on pace to beat the 2003 Tigers (43-119) for the worst record ever in a 162-game season.
  
• Despite their historically terrible season, the White Sox still have a chance to retool the farm system for the future (and Pierzynski) ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. However, reports of Garrett Crochet’s demands for a contract extension could derail the team’s ability to deal him, or at least impact a potential return.
  
• If the interest in Pierzynski is legitimate, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Previous coaching experience isn’t what it once was on résumés, and former catchers have always been popular choices to lead clubhouses. It’s worked for Stephen Vogt, who has the Guardians atop the A.L. in his 1st season as skipper.
  

⚾ DEADLINE TRACKER | Stay updated with CHGO White Sox’s Vinnie Duber’s trade rumors tracker, including the latest on Garrett Crochet.

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Tee off at the CHGO Kickoff!

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Roundup: Bears play a game this week!

• Can it be Thursday yet? Head coach Matt Eberflus is expected to announce on Tuesday whether or not Caleb Williams will receive playing time in Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game. Regardless of Williams’ participatory status for August 1, it’ll just be nice to have the orange and blue back on our TVs.
  

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Thanks for coming out!

Thanks to everyone who hung out with us at Miller’s Ale House in Schaumburg last night! pic.twitter.com/Zh6Oc6SpPH

— CHGO Cubs (@CHGO_Cubs) July 27, 2024

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Join us for an upcoming CHGO event!

⚾ 8/9: CHGO White Sox Crosstown Takeover at Guaranteed Rate Field!
⛳ 8/23: Kickoff Classic Golf Tournament at Cog Hill!
⚾ 9/6: CHGO Cubs Takeover for Anthony Rizzo’s return to Wrigley!
🏈 9/8: CHGO Bears Tailgate in Chicago! – Week 1 vs. Titans