This summer is an important opportunity for the St. Louis Cardinals to start again.
Ideally, the Cardinals will not have to undergo a complete rebuild. However, it seems unlikely that they will be in playoff contention next season, and there are a few of elderly All-Stars on the roster who do not appear to fit the team’s timetable right now.
These All-Stars are Sonny Gray (one year remaining on his deal) and Nolan Arenado (two years left). However, although the latter has been in constant decline and may be tough to deal, the Cardinals may be able to obtain something in return for Gray.
Is Gray a fit for Giants?
Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut anticipated that Gray will be moved to the San Francisco Giants, who plainly want to compete next season after adding $255 million to their long-term budget in the form of Rafael Devers in a midseason trade.
“The San Francisco Giants need to acquire pitching this winter, but the top arms could be out of their price range after taking on the entirety of the Rafael Devers contract,” Johnson pointed out. “Instead, Buster Posey can focus on obtaining a reliable starter from a team willing to absorb a piece of the salary.
“That would be the rebuilding St. Louis Cardinals, who have previously indicated a willingness to absorb portion of Sonny Gray’s $65 million salary (including a $5 million buyout in 2028) over the following two seasons. Gray would join a club in a pitchers’ park, slotting in between Logan Webb and Robbie Ray in the rotation.
The Cardinals would be unable to get top prospect Bryce Eldridge from San Francisco, but if they could free up most or all of Gray’s money and add a few of mid-tier prospects, they’d have to consider themselves lucky.
Gray’s stay with the Cardinals has not gone as planned on either side. However, both parties may be pleased if the player advances to the playoffs and the team’s future prospects increase.