The St. Louis Cardinals have made a substantial move to fortify their pitching lineup by adding Sonny Gray through a lucrative three-year contract worth $75 million. Gray, recognized as the American League Cy Young runner-up, is expected to bring substantial strength to the team’s pitching arm for the upcoming season.
This multi-year deal also includes a team option for 2027 valued at $30 million, along with a $5 million buyout, potentially elevating the total value of the contract to $100 million over four seasons.
John Mozeliak, the Cardinals’ president of baseball operations, had earlier secured short-term deals with free agent right-handers Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn. Emphasizing the team’s ongoing efforts to enhance the roster, the addition of Gray, an esteemed pitcher in the free-agent market, is a pivotal step towards achieving that objective.
“We focused on acquiring pitchers known for their consistency in innings pitched,” stated Mozeliak. “Signing Sonny is a significant move in our mission to strengthen the pitching core for the long term.”
Gray, at 34, concluded a season with Minnesota, posting an 8-8 record and an impressive 2.79 ERA. His decision to decline a qualifying offer from the Twins resulted in Minnesota receiving an additional pick in the upcoming amateur draft as compensation for his departure.
In exchange for Gray, the Cardinals will relinquish their second-highest selection. However, this trade-off is seen as a calculated investment to bolster their pitching rotation.
Expressing his enthusiasm for joining the Cardinals, Gray emphasized the team’s rich tradition and the city’s profound baseball culture. “Winning is a top priority for me at this stage in my career. St. Louis embodies baseball tradition, and the chance to be part of this esteemed organization is incredibly exciting,” Gray mentioned during a news conference held at Busch Stadium.
The Cardinals struggled in the previous season with a 71-91 record, primarily due to pitching inconsistencies. Their rotation had a 5.08 ERA, ranking fifth-lowest in the league, and combined with the bullpen, their overall ERA was 4.79, placing them 24th in the majors.
Prior to signing Lynn and Gibson, the Cardinals had only two pitchers, Miles Mikolas and Steven Matz, under contract for the 2024 season. Therefore, the swift moves to secure these players were vital in strengthening the team’s pitching lineup.
Gray, a former first-round pick for the A’s, experienced a career resurgence after a challenging stint with the Yankees in 2018. Following a trade to the Reds in 2019, he notably improved, tallying a 23-20 record with a 3.89 ERA over three seasons in Cincinnati.
Despite contending with injuries last year, Gray delivered one of the best performances of his career, finishing second in the AL Cy Young voting behind the Yankees’ Gerrit Cole.
Reflecting on the team’s strategy, Mozeliak mentioned, “We were mindful of the high demand for Gray in the offseason. The timing was crucial for us. We’re satisfied with our progress in securing these three talented pitchers.”
Gray revealed that the Cardinals were not initially his top choice at the onset of the offseason. However, after discussions and considering various offers, he found the appeal of joining the Cardinals increasingly compelling.
He also disclosed conversations with current and former Cardinals players, including Adam Wainwright, who spoke highly of the team, the fanbase, and the overall culture in St. Louis. Gray acknowledged the passionate fan support and the city’s reputation for expecting excellence from its sports teams.
Sonny Gray
Sonny Gray is a professional baseball pitcher known for his career in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has played for various teams throughout his career, showcasing his talent and pitching skills.
Gray began his MLB career with the Oakland Athletics in 2013 after being drafted by the team in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft. He quickly established himself as a promising pitcher, earning accolades for his performances on the field.
In 2017, Gray was traded to the New York Yankees, where he faced some challenges but still demonstrated his pitching abilities. Following his tenure with the Yankees, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2019. During his time with the Reds, Gray experienced a resurgence in his career, displaying consistent and impressive pitching.
Known for his fastball and an array of effective pitches, Gray has garnered attention for his performances, including being named the American League Cy Young runner-up during his tenure with the Minnesota Twins in a season where he excelled with an impressive 2.79 ERA.
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