Isaac Paredes has been key to the Rays success
“He fits us very well. He is just so steady and so solid,” said Cash following Friday’s win.
Photo Credit: Jefferee Woo/ Tampa Bay Times
As the Tampa Bay Rays have gotten off to the best start in baseball, they have been led offensively by an unexpected source in Isaac Paredes. The 24-year-old has put together a career year so far, taking his game to another level. While the 2023 season is far from over, Paredes is making it a season he will never forget.
In 45 games, Paredes has posted a .260 batting average and driven in a team-leading 45 runs. He is doing damage with his power, as 22 of the Rays' third baseman's 51 hits have gone for extra bases. His success has partly been due to being more consistent, which has been noticed by Rays manager Kevin Cash.
“I think there is more confidence this year,” said Kevin Cash. I think he has been a tick more consistent. He has shown the ability many times this season to go to right field and pick up an RBI with two strikes. His awareness at the plate is pretty elite.”
Over the weekend, Paredes was the center of attention as he terrorized Rangers pitching. In three games, the Mexican native drove in seven runs, including six on Friday night. In that stretch, Paredes recorded three extra-base hits. Tyler Glasnow, who was on the mound on Friday, was happy, like many in the Rays clubhouse, to see Paredes succeed.
“He is a solid player. He is always locked in and consistent,” said Glasnow. “No matter how he is playing, he is always the same dude. He is a phenomenal baseball player.”
As the All-Star game draws closer, Paredes is on pace to set career highs in multiple categories. That includes RBI, home runs, hits, and runs. On a roster that includes stars such as Wander Franco, Randy Arozarena, and Shane McClanahan, Paredes has been an impactful piece.
“He fits us very well. He is just so steady and so solid,” said Cash following Friday’s win.
After a slow start to the month, Paredes has started to heat up at the plate, with four hits in his last six games. While he may not get the same attention as some of his teammates, he appreciates the Rays giving him a shot.
“I think it gives me a lot of confidence,” Paredes said through team translator Manny Navarro. “I have the confidence to be able to demonstrate and show off exactly what I can do, and they gave me that opportunity.”
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