The Los Angeles Dodgers have just celebrated a World Series victory and are reportedly exploring a trade for a top pitcher.
MLB insider Steve Adams from MLBTradeRumors.com has indicated that the Dodgers might target Sonny Gray, the ace of the St. Louis Cardinals, who signed a three-year, $75 million contract with the team in November 2023.
Despite only completing one season with the Cardinals, Gray has emerged in trade discussions, and Adams considers the Dodgers a fitting option.
“With two years and $65 million remaining on his contract, Gray isn’t exactly a steal,” Adams noted. “That amount might exceed what he would command in free agency after a 34-year-old season where he recorded a 3.84 ERA over 166.1 innings, although his impressive strikeout rate of 30.3% and walk rate of 5.8% are noteworthy. Teams with substantial financial resources or favorable payroll situations may show interest. The Reds have also been loosely connected to Gray, along with the Dodgers, Orioles, Giants, Rangers, and Tigers as potential fits.”
Adams emphasizes that the Dodgers aren’t the only team eyeing Gray, as the right-hander could provide stability to a Los Angeles rotation that faced numerous injuries during the regular season and playoffs. Gray, a three-time All-Star, concluded the season with a 13-9 record and a 3.84 ERA across 166.1 innings pitched.
Gray Holds A No-Trade Clause
While Sonny Gray has been mentioned in trade rumors, it’s uncertain whether the starting pitcher will be moved this offseason.
Gray possesses a full no-trade clause, meaning he must approve any potential trade. However, Adams suggests that the right-hander might be willing to accept a deal to a contender like the Dodgers.
“Gray has a full no-trade clause, and his backloaded contract complicates any potential move,” Adams explained. “He was selective in choosing to sign with the Cardinals, indicating early in free agency that location was important to him and that money wasn’t his sole motivation. That said, Gray shares similarities with Nolan Arenado; both are mid-30s veterans who committed to the Cardinals when the team was aiming for immediate success. Spending the last two or three years of his current contract with a team that is likely not in contention may not be appealing.”
Bob Nightengale from USA Today also reported that the Cardinals are considering trading Gray.
“The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to shop veteran starter Sonny Gray while also reducing payroll,” Nightengale noted.
Gray joined the Cardinals with hopes of competing for a playoff spot, but St. Louis did not make the playoffs last season and appears to be a fringe playoff contender in 2025.
Where Does Gray Fit in With the Dodgers?
The Dodgers faced injury issues in their rotation last season, leading to multiple bullpen games during the playoffs.
If Los Angeles were to acquire Gray, he could serve as a middle-of-the-rotation starter.
In 2025, Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are projected to be the team’s top two starters, allowing Gray to slot in as the No. 3 starter, potentially ahead of Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May. His addition would provide valuable depth and insurance for the rotation, especially if some starters are unable to return from injuries as anticipated.
Throughout his career, Gray has maintained a solid 3.51 ERA over 298 starts.
