Sonny Gray Traded to Red Sox, Ends Braves Trade Speculation

The St. Louis Cardinals just made a gutsy move this offseason, sending veteran right-hander Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox. This trade shakes up the Cardinals’ future and takes Gray off the Braves’ wish list for rotation help.

Atlanta now has to look elsewhere for pitching. St. Louis will cover a big chunk of Gray’s salary and gets two promising arms in return, signaling a clear strategy shift for both teams heading into the new season.

Cardinals Shift into Retooling Mode

After a rough 2024, the St. Louis Cardinals have embraced a roster retool. They’re focusing on financial flexibility and rebuilding their farm system.

Trading Gray, who finished last season with a 4.28 ERA over 32 starts, was really about planning ahead. Shedding his salary obligations played a big part in the decision.

Salary Coverage Boosted Trade Value

St. Louis agreed to cover $20 million of Gray’s $35 million owed in 2026. That move made Boston far more interested and let the Cardinals ask for more in return.

They landed pitchers Brandon Clarke and Richard Fitts—both intriguing gets.

• Brandon Clarke: Now one of the Cardinals’ top prospects, Clarke throws hard and racks up strikeouts.
• Richard Fitts: A steady righty with solid control who could move up to the big leagues pretty quickly.

Gray’s Preferences Narrowed the Market

Several clubs wanted Gray, but his no-trade clause and his wish to pitch close to Nashville limited the options. Boston believed they could lure him with a shot at contention and the AL East spotlight, so they pushed hard to get the deal done.

Impact on the Braves’ Rotation Plans

The Atlanta Braves had their eye on Gray for a while. They saw him as a reliable veteran to anchor their rotation.

But Atlanta wouldn’t match Boston’s offer with top prospects. That decision keeps their farm system strong, but it leaves their pitching depth looking a bit thin.

What’s Next for Atlanta?

Atlanta’s rotation will likely feature Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Spencer Schwellenbach. That’s a high-upside trio, but there are health questions with all three.

Depth options like Reynaldo López, Grant Holmes, and Hurston Waldrep add some intrigue. Still, they come with their own risks, from injury history to lack of big-league experience.

Financial Flexibility Remains a Weapon

The Braves have some room to spend. They could still go after another proven starter before spring training rolls around.

Pitching isn’t their only concern, though. Shortstop and bullpen depth are also on the radar, and the front office keeps checking in on those markets.

• Re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias to keep the back end of games steady.
• Traded for defensive standout Mauricio Dubon to boost their middle infield.
• Looking at free agent Ha-Seong Kim as a possible shortstop upgrade.

The Bigger Picture

For St. Louis, trading Gray shows they’re willing to balance competing now with building for the future. Adding young pitching fits their plan to get back into the playoff mix down the line.

For the Red Sox, bringing in Gray makes a strong rotation even tougher. He gives them more matchup options and some much-needed veteran presence in the clubhouse.

Ripple Effects Across the League

Atlanta’s pivot could reshape the NL East race. Without Gray, they might have to chase other options in free agency or test the trade market.

Landing the right arm will matter a lot for them. Keeping a rotation healthy over 162 games? That’s never easy.

Boston, on the other hand, just got some instant rotation stability. That might crank up the pressure on their AL East rivals.

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Here is the source article for this story: Potential Braves trade target Sonny Gray dealt to Red Sox