Another pitcher has been taken off the free agent market, as starting pitcher Sonny Gray is reportedly heading to St. Louis to join the Cardinals. The deal, reportedly worth $75 million over three years, was announced by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The contract marks a significant move for the Cardinals.
Sonny Gray, aged 34, is coming off a stellar two-year stint with the Minnesota Twins, capped by an outstanding 2023 season. During the 2023 season, Gray’s performance was exceptional, boasting a 2.79 ERA over 32 starts and 181 innings. His consistent performance earned him a second-place finish in the American League Cy Young Award race, demonstrating his value as a frontline starter.
Prior to signing with the Cardinals, the Atlanta Braves had shown interest in Gray following their failed pursuit of Aaron Nola. However, the Cardinals’ need for a starter of Gray’s caliber led to a successful deal for the seasoned pitcher.
Despite being older than some other top starters on the market, Gray’s experience and track record appealed to the Cardinals, making him a valuable addition to their roster. With the addition of Gray, the Cardinals aim to solidify their rotation and fill the gap at the top of their pitching lineup.
The Cardinals’ pitching rotation is now composed of veteran players, with Gray, Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, Steven Matz, and Miles Mikolas bringing a wealth of experience to the team. Gray’s three-year contract suggests a short-term addition to the Cardinals’ roster, indicating that their pitching strategy is focused on immediate impact and short-term success.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
