The New York Yankees have provided opportunities to numerous players who struggled to make an impact during their time with the team. One of the most notable disappointments in recent years was right-hander Sonny Gray, who has performed at an above-average level almost everywhere else he has played.
Gray, with a 3.51 ERA, has built an impressive career, earning three All-Star selections, multiple top-five Cy Young finishes, and securing a $75 million contract that runs through 2026.
With Gerrit Cole sidelined, Jack Murray of Bleacher Report suggested potential trade options for the Yankees to fill the void, including Sonny Gray in his analysis.
Murray described Gray as “a less splashy option given his age and previous stint with the franchise, but he has experienced a late-career resurgence. In 2024, he pitched 166.1 innings, posting a 13-9 record with a 3.84 ERA.”
Would the Cardinals Trade Gray?
Unlike the New York Yankees, the St. Louis Cardinals entered the offseason focused on cutting costs. However, despite intentions to reduce payroll, they have made few moves, keeping Gray, Nolan Arenado, and others who were thought to be on the trade block.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported in September that the Cardinals were open to parting ways with Gray.
“The St. Louis Cardinals, set to announce a series of personnel moves on Monday with Chaim Bloom taking on a larger role, intend to shop veteran starter Sonny Gray as part of their efforts to cut payroll.”
“Gray, who signed a three-year, $75 million contract last winter, holds a full no-trade clause,” Nightengale wrote.
In December, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that Gray remained a trade candidate, indicating that speculation about his potential move persisted months later.
“According to sources, other starting pitchers potentially available in trades, aside from Crochet, include Luis Castillo, Dylan Cease, Sonny Gray, and Jesús Luzardo,” Feinsand wrote.
The trade market can shift rapidly, but the Yankees should at least explore the possibility of acquiring Gray.
Gray Is Ready to Play
Playing for a team that isn’t focused on winning is never ideal. The New York Yankees have consistently aimed for success throughout their history. While the St. Louis Cardinals have long been a proud franchise, this is not their time to contend.
Gray, Arenado, and other win-now players on the roster understand that baseball is a business. However, Gray simply wants to pitch and is prepared to compete, whether it’s with the Cardinals or a team like the Yankees in the future.
“You call it a ‘reset,’ I guess, but what does that really mean? It’s not like we unloaded everyone—we just didn’t re-sign our free agents and haven’t added any new ones yet,” Gray said. “I don’t know, only time will tell. Each day I’m here, I get more and more excited just for baseball in general. Only time will tell how this plays out.”
Gray has already spent time with the Yankees, and though his first stint didn’t go as expected, he’s older now and might be open to a return if it benefits both sides.
