The St. Louis Cardinals are heading into the 2025–26 offseason in full rebuild mode, and one of the most notable names likely to be on the move is veteran right‑hander Sonny Gray. Under new leadership from Chaim Bloom, who has taken over as president of baseball operations, the organization appears ready to cut ties with Gray after just two seasons.
Gray, who has one year remaining on his contract, has reportedly grown more open to a trade this winter, even considering waiving his no‑trade clause to find a contender. The backloaded nature of his deal, with a $35 million salary owed in 2026 and a club option for 2027, complicates matters for potential suitors.
This season, Gray went 14‑8 with a 4.28 ERA over 32 starts, striking out 201 batters in 180⅔ innings. Despite being a workhorse and durable arm, his performance hasn’t been enough to slow the Cardinals’ decision to retool.
Part of the motivation behind the move is financial flexibility. Gray’s hefty remaining salary is viewed as an obstacle in a rebuild, especially for a team that is unlikely to contend in the near term. The Cardinals may need to absorb or subsidize part of his contract to facilitate a deal that brings back value.
Some trade scenarios already being floated point to the San Francisco Giants as a possible destination, with the Cardinals perhaps agreeing to cover a portion of Gray’s remaining financial obligations. Meanwhile, analysts caution that Gray’s no‑trade clause and the size of his contract will limit the pool of teams willing to engage.
Still, internal voices believe a trade is likely. As one insider wrote, if Gray is unwilling to stay in St. Louis amid this rebuild, “the Cardinals should be able to line up a trade for him easily.” However, getting an acceptable return will hinge heavily on how much of the contract the Cardinals are willing to absorb.
In short, the Cardinals are signaling a clear pivot away from their previous ambitions. Sonny Gray, once viewed as a stabilizing ace, is now seen as movable in order to clear space—both on the roster and on the payroll—for a reconstructed future.
