Rays trade Isaac Paredes to Cubs in surprise deal as Yankees lose potential target

BOSTON — One of the largest potential trade deadline targets for the Yankees is off the board.

Isaac Paredes is going from the Rays to the Cubs in a surprise deal, The Post’s Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman confirmed Sunday.

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Heading to Tampa is a three-player package headed by Christopher Morel, a power-hitting third baseman with a .676 OPS but not even eligible for arbitration until 2026, plus reportedly prospects Ty Johnson and Hunter Bigge.

The Cubs, who entered play six games back of an NL wild-card spot and are at best a peripheral contender, likely see Paredes as a long-term piece, with the third baseman until team control through 2027.

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The Yankees, who brought in the flexible Jazz Chisholm Jr. on Saturday — a player who could take over third, but also could slot in at second base or center field — will continue looking for more offensive help.

Paredes, who owns a .792 OPS with 16 home runs in 101 games, was a sensible fit for a Yankees club that has tried DJ LeMahieu for too long at third, where Oswaldo Cabrera also has seen more time recently.

If the Yankees still want to upgrade the spot, among the options still believed to be available are the Angels’ Luis Rengifo, the Reds’ Jonathan India and the Rays’ Amed Rosario.

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