The New York Yankees have provided many players with opportunities who ultimately didn’t live up to expectations during their time with the organization. One of the most notable disappointments in recent years was Sonny Gray, a right-handed pitcher who has performed at an above-average level at nearly every other stop in his career.
With a career 3.51 ERA, Gray has had an impressive journey, earning three All-Star selections, finishing in the top five for the Cy Young Award, and securing a $75 million contract that runs through 2026.
Following Gerrit Cole’s absence, Jack Murray of Bleacher Report suggested several trade options for the Yankees, including Gray.
Murray wrote, “While not a flashy choice given his age and past experience with the Yankees, Gray has made a strong comeback late in his career. In 2024, he pitched 166.1 innings, posting a 13-9 record and a 3.84 ERA.”
Would the Cardinals Trade Gray?
Unlike the Yankees, the St. Louis Cardinals entered the offseason with a focus on reducing their payroll. Despite the intention to cut costs, the Cardinals haven’t traded Gray, Nolan Arenado, or other players who were thought to be on the block.
Sonny Gray
In September, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Cardinals were open to trading Gray.
“The St. Louis Cardinals, who are set to announce personnel changes on Monday with Chaim Bloom taking on a bigger role, are planning to shop veteran starter Sonny Gray while working to lower payroll,” Nightengale wrote.
A few months later, in December, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com noted that Gray could still be traded, indicating that the rumors were ongoing.
“Aside from Crochet, other starters who may be available in trades include Luis Castillo, Dylan Cease, Sonny Gray, and Jesús Luzardo,” Feinsand wrote.
Though trade dynamics can shift quickly, the Yankees should at least consider reaching out to the Cardinals about Gray.
Gray Is Ready to Play
Being part of a team not competing for a title is less than ideal. The New York Yankees have always strived for success, and while the St. Louis Cardinals have also been a storied franchise, this is not their year to contend.
Gray, Arenado, and others on the roster who are built for a “win-now” situation understand that this is a business. For his part, Gray is simply focused on pitching and is ready to contribute, whether it’s with the Cardinals or another team like the Yankees.
Gray expressed, “You say a ‘reset,’ but what does that really mean? It’s not like we traded away everybody; we just didn’t re-sign the free agents and haven’t added any new ones so far. Time will tell. I’m getting more excited every day just for baseball in general. Only time will tell how this will play out.”
Having previously spent time with the Yankees, Gray’s first stint didn’t go as expected, but now older and wiser, he may be open to a return if it makes sense for both parties.
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