The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off a World Series victory, are now linked to a potential trade for a star pitcher.
MLB insider Steve Adams from MLBTradeRumors.com has suggested that the Dodgers might pursue St. Louis Cardinals ace Sonny Gray. Gray, who joined the Cardinals on a three-year, $75 million contract in November 2023, is reportedly a trade candidate after only one season.
“With two years and $65MM still owed to him, Gray isn’t exactly a bargain,” Adams noted. “This amount is likely more than he’d command in free agency following an age-34 season where he posted a 3.84 ERA over 166 1/3 innings. However, his impressive 30.3% strikeout rate and 5.8% walk rate make him attractive. Teams with large budgets or manageable payrolls, such as the Reds, Dodgers, Orioles, Giants, Rangers, and Tigers, could be interested.”
As Adams points out, the Dodgers aren’t the only potential suitor for Gray, who could be a valuable addition to a Los Angeles rotation that struggled with injuries throughout the regular season and playoffs. Gray, a three-time All-Star, finished the season with a 13-9 record and a 3.84 ERA over 166.1 innings.
Gray Holds A No-Trade Clause
Despite Sonny Gray’s name surfacing in trade discussions, there’s no certainty he’ll be moved this offseason.
Gray holds a full no-trade clause, meaning he would have to approve any deal. However, MLB insider Steve Adams suggests that Gray might be open to joining a contending team like the Dodgers.
“Gray has a full no-trade clause, which, combined with his backloaded contract, makes him a challenging player to trade,” Adams noted. “Gray was deliberate in choosing the Cardinals, signaling that location was important and that he prioritized more than just money. Yet, like Nolan Arenado, Gray is a mid-30s veteran who signed with St. Louis under the impression of a win-now approach. Spending the final two (or three) years of his deal on a likely non-contending team may not be as appealing to him now.”
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale also reported that the Cardinals are open to trading Gray as they aim to cut payroll.
Gray initially signed with the Cardinals to pursue a playoff run, but after a disappointing season that left them out of contention, St. Louis projects as a fringe playoff contender in 2025.
Where Does Gray Fit in With the Dodgers?
The Dodgers’ rotation was plagued by injuries last season, forcing Los Angeles to rely on bullpen games multiple times during the playoffs.
If the Dodgers were to acquire Sonny Gray, he could serve as a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter. For 2025, Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are likely the top two in the Dodgers’ rotation, with Gray fitting in as a potential No. 3 starter ahead of veterans like Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May. His addition would also provide crucial depth, helping guard against potential setbacks if some starters aren’t fully recovered from their injuries.
Throughout his career, Gray has posted a 3.51 ERA over 298 starts, making him a reliable and experienced option for any rotation.
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