With the help of starting pitcher Sonny Gray, the Minnesota Twins made the postseason this season for the first time since 2020. Gray is now hitting the free-agent market. A few championship-caliber teams are interested in making themselves a suitor for Sonny. In 32 starts last season, Gray posted an 8-8 record. He had a 2.79 ERA through 184 innings with 183 strikeouts. This past year, the 34-year-old starting pitcher became a Cy Young finalist for the first time. Minnesota has announced they will be lowering their payroll this season. This makes the Twins less likely to sign Gray back in free agency. Where could he possibly sign next?
Sonny Gray Landing Spots
St. Louis Cardinals
This team is in desperate need of a quality starting pitcher. St. Louis’ pitching staff averaged an ERA of around five while being second to last in strikeout rate behind the Colorado Rockies. The Cardinals were one of the most disappointing teams in 2023. They finished with a 71-91 record, dead last in the NL Central. Miles Mikolas was the only Cardinal to pitch more than 130 innings last season. Sonny Gray pitched over 130 innings in four out of his six seasons. The Cardinals have a lot of talent on offense, veteran MVP-caliber players in Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, plus a young franchise cornerstone in outfielder Jordan Walker. St. Louis’ general manager John Mozeliak stated that he’s looking to acquire one starter this offseason and multiple.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Let’s be real: any all-star or former all-star can be a Los Angeles Dodger. They have the payroll and the talent to reestablish one’s career or bring one to new heights. They’re also in the running for the most valuable free agent on the market in Shohei Ohtani. Former Dodger Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw is also a free agent; it’s still unknown if he’ll return to the team. Dodgers starting pitchers Dustin May, Walker Buehler, and Tony Gonsolin are all rehabbing from injuries. At the same time, Julio Urías is unlikely to return to the team. Los Angeles has the firepower within their lineup to make the postseason, but they don’t want to be the same old Dodgers. They need efficient pitching from an all-star caliber pitcher willing to give his all for a championship. Sonny Gray could be that guy if given the opportunity.
Sonny Gray to the Atlanta Braves?
With Aaron Nola off the market, the Atlanta Braves have kept their eye on Sonny Gray. Just the other day, Jon Morosi of the MLB Network tweeted that the Braves were a top suitor for Gray. Atlanta has four solid pitchers in their rotation, yet they still need to fill that fifth and final spot. The Braves also traded away pitchers Kyle Wright and Mike Soroka a few days ago. Atlanta won 104 games last season, without Wright for most of the season, who won 20 games in 2022. Sonny’s hometown of Smyrna, Tennessee, is only three hours away from Atlanta. This gives the Braves a huge advantage over any team to sign Gray.
Main Photo Credits: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
