Following their disappointing performance similar to last year’s last-place finish, the St. Louis Cardinals are contemplating trading some of their higher-paid veteran players. One notable name in discussion is Sonny Gray, the team’s top starting pitcher.
Gray, aged 34, joined the Cardinals on a three-year, $75 million deal during the offseason, following an impressive season with the Minnesota Twins where he secured the second position in the AL Cy Young voting in 2023.
With three All-Star appearances under his belt, Gray has swiftly become the Cardinals’ mainstay pitcher amidst a lackluster season for the team.
Despite the Cardinals starting the 2024 season with a 17-24 record in their first 41 games, Gray has maintained a commendable 4-2 record with a 2.29 ERA. However, recent reports suggest that if the Cardinals opt to overhaul their roster before the season concludes, Gray could be among the established players they consider trading.
Will Gray Be Gone Within a Year?
While it might appear unexpected for the Cardinals to trade a pitcher they recently signed to a multi-year contract, a recent report from Zach Rymer of Bleacher Report suggests that Gray is being considered for a potential move out of St. Louis.
Rymer mentioned that veteran starters Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson are also part of this discussion. However, he advises against completely overhauling the roster, suggesting that the team should retain its young, controllable players.
Gray was acquired during free agency along with fellow veteran right-handers Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson to strengthen a Cardinals pitching staff that struggled with a 4.79 ERA in 2023. They were brought in to complement the existing rotation consisting of Miles Mikolas and left-hander Steven Matz.
Initially designated as the team’s ace and opening-day starter, Gray suffered a strained hamstring during his second exhibition start on March 4, causing him to miss the season opener. However, he made a swift recovery and returned to the mound on April 9, delivering an impressive performance with five strikeouts over five shutout innings, securing a victory for the Cardinals against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Cardinals Looking To Move Forward
The 2024 season for the St. Louis Cardinals has been marked by a series of setbacks and uncertainties. They faced significant losses even before the season began, with key players like utilityman Tommy Edman, outfielders Lars Nootbaar, and Dylan Carlson sidelined. Gray’s hamstring issues added to their challenges, and Matz joined the injured list due to a back problem upon his return.
Speculation loomed over the possible dismissal of manager Oliver Marmol before season’s end. Mozeliak addressed this speculation in a recent radio interview with Tom Ackerman of 1120 AM KMOX on May 12. Mozeliak acknowledged the difficult circumstances, expressing confidence in Marmol’s managerial abilities while recognizing the importance of on-field results. Despite fan discontent towards both himself and Marmol, Mozeliak emphasized the need for continued efforts to improve performance. He also accepted accountability for the team’s outcomes, signaling a willingness to make changes if necessary.
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