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With two starting pitchers sidelined due to injuries, the New York Mets are being linked to a potential trade for an ace to strengthen their rotation.
MLB analyst Zach Pressnell of FanSided has suggested a three-player blockbuster deal that would send Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Mets.
Proposed Trade:
Mets receive:
- Sonny Gray
Cardinals receive:
- Nolan McLean
- Drew Gilbert
This trade would be significant for New York, as Gray could become the team’s ace while they part ways with two of their top prospects.
Gray is in the second year of a three-year, $75 million contract, with a club option for a fourth year at $30 million in 2027. The three-time All-Star would help stabilize the Mets’ rotation, especially with Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas currently injured. Last season, Gray posted a 13-9 record with a 3.84 ERA over 38 games for St. Louis.
In return, the Cardinals would acquire McLean, New York’s fifth-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline. The 23-year-old right-hander was a third-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft and reached AA last season, recording a 4-10 record with a 3.78 ERA across 25 starts.
The deal would also include Gilbert, the Mets’ 11th-ranked prospect. The outfielder reached AAA in 2024 and is expected to make his MLB debut soon. Originally drafted by the Houston Astros in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft, Gilbert was traded to New York in the Justin Verlander deal. In 2024, he hit .205 with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs in the minors.
Analyst Calls Trade a Win-Win
Pressnell sees this trade as mutually beneficial. The Mets would acquire a much-needed top-of-the-rotation arm while the Cardinals gain two promising prospects and free up payroll by moving Gray’s contract.
“The Mets would land the starter they need while keeping their prospects with the clearest paths to the majors. St. Louis would shed salary and bring in two talented prospects to replace Gray. It’s a win-win for both teams,” Pressnell wrote.
He also believes that if New York is serious about improving its rotation, a trade is the most realistic path, and Gray would be an ideal target.
Mets Name Clay Holmes Opening Day Starter
New York has announced that free-agent signing Clay Holmes will be the team’s Opening Day starter for the 2025 season.
Holmes, who signed a three-year, $38 million deal in the offseason, is making the transition from reliever to starter. After an impressive spring training and with Manaea and Montas injured, manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Holmes as the Opening Day starter.
“He earned it,” Mendoza said. “We like what we’re seeing. I know it’s a small sample size, but it’s encouraging. He showed up to camp ahead of everyone, and we’re comfortable with him taking the ball on Opening Day… He’s worked really hard, and I’m proud of him.”
The Mets begin their 2025 season on March 27 on the road against the Houston Astros.
