With Opening Day approaching in less than a month, it may seem like the Baltimore Orioles and St. Louis Cardinals have finished making significant trades.
At least for the Cardinals, that may not be entirely true.
All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado continues to be connected to the New York Yankees and Houston Astros, while veteran starters Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, and Steven Matz could be on the move in the coming months.
This could be an ideal moment for the Orioles to explore a deal for Gray, particularly if the Cardinals are looking to speed up their rebuild.
Gray posted a 13-9 record with a 3.84 ERA across 28 starts last season, his first under a three-year, $75 million contract signed after 2023. The three-time All-Star’s deal also includes a team option for 2027.
Here’s a potential trade scenario that could benefit both teams.
Baltimore Orioles receive: Sonny Gray, P
St. Louis Cardinals receive: Outfielder Dylan Beavers, pitcher Brandon Young, third baseman Max Wagner, and pitcher Peter Van Loon.
If this feels like a significant haul for the Cardinals, keep in mind they’re nearing a rebuild. Meanwhile, the Orioles, aiming for a World Series run, must compete in a division that includes the New York Yankees.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Orioles are listed at +600 to win the American League, ranking behind only the Yankees at +300.
Beavers is the centerpiece of this trade for a reason. The 2022 No. 33 overall pick batted .242 last season, tallying 15 home runs, 54 RBIs, and an impressive 31 stolen bases in 34 attempts.
Beavers finished the season playing all three outfield positions at Triple-A. With his MLB debut approaching, he could provide an immediate boost for the Cardinals.
Young is another Triple-A talent poised to contribute at the MLB level this season. He posted a 3.44 ERA across 20 games (18 starts) for Norfolk last year.
Young may not step in as Gray’s immediate replacement or start in April, but the 26-year-old has the potential to compete for a spot in the rotation down the line.
Wagner, a 2022 second-round pick, is included as a potential bounce-back candidate. The South Carolina product struggled in Double-A last season, hitting just .109 in 19 games.
Last season was Van Loon’s first full year as a starter, and he impressed with a 2.66 ERA over 12 games (11 starts) for Double-A Chesapeake Baysox. The 26-year-old is currently in Orioles camp as a non-roster invitee.
There’s no denying that the Orioles are parting with a significant package for a 35-year-old pitcher. However, it’s a gamble worth considering if they aim to capture their first World Series title in over 40 years.
