The Atlanta Braves clinched a postseason spot on the final day after a doubleheader against the New York Mets, but they were quickly eliminated by the San Diego Padres in a two-game sweep during the Wild Card Series. This early exit leaves the Braves facing numerous questions this offseason.
While injuries certainly impacted their season, their rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies and Mets, are expected to spend heavily in free agency, particularly eyeing Juan Soto. Additionally, the Braves might need to fill a gap in their starting rotation if Max Fried departs for free agency.
If Fried signs with another team, who could the Braves realistically target as a replacement? Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer has identified Sonny Gray of the St. Louis Cardinals as the most likely player to be traded this offseason, noting that the Cardinals are expected to shop him. Rymer suggests the Braves could be a good fit for Gray.
What would it take for the Braves to secure Gray?
A potential Sonny Grade trade that would help Braves fill void left by Max Fried
For more updates and rumors, check out MLB Insider Robert Murray on The Baseball Insiders podcast, subscribe to The Moonshot, our weekly MLB newsletter, and join the Discord for the latest insights leading into the offseason.
If the Cardinals are looking for a reasonable return, they’ll likely need to absorb some of Sonny Gray’s contract, a point Rymer emphasizes.
“Just a year after signing a three-year, $75 million deal with the Cardinals, the circumstances have changed, especially considering the 34-year-old had a mixed season and spent some time on the injured list.
“The key question is what the Cardinals aim to achieve by trading Gray. They might primarily want to unload his contract, but if they’re also seeking talent in return, they’ll probably need to cover part of his salary.”
