The St. Louis Cardinals, currently treading water in 2025, are reportedly open to moving veterans ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. Among the top names generating buzz is Sonny Gray, the three‑time All‑Star right‑hander, who could be sent to the Atlanta Braves to shore up their rotation if Atlanta elects to lose back-end starters like Max Fried or Charlie Morton .
The scenario makes sense: the Braves need reliable innings behind their top arms, especially with Spencer Strider on the mend. Gray, with a 3.84 ERA over 28 starts this year and two remaining years on his contract, fits that veteran mold. Moreover, being close to his Nashville home makes Atlanta a plausible destination .
On the flip side, St. Louis would receive intriguing pitching prospects in return—specifically Hurston Waldrep and Bryce Elder, both MLB-ready right‑handers. This aligns with St. Louis’ broader strategy to collect young arms and replenish its pitching depth, per proposals like the Newsweek/Sporting News packages.
Another potential storyline centers on closer Ryan Helsley, fresh off an All‑Star and Reliever of the Year season (49 saves, 2.04 ERA). Newsweek’s Zach Pressnell suggests that Atlanta might pursue Helsley as a trade deadline rental, though it would likely cost them high-upside talent like Elder and Waldrep .
As for infield shuffles, the idea of swapping Erick Fedde for Bryce Elder in a one‑for‑one is also under consideration. Bleacher Report writers argue that both teams could benefit: Atlanta gaining rotation stability, St. Louis unloading veterans, and Elder getting a fresh start under a new pitching regime .
At the heart of this flurry is the reunion of a familiar face in St. Louis—Sonny Gray returning to the Cardinals or sending someone to Atlanta who once pitched in the NL Central spotlight. Reuniting a proven All‑Star veteran in the Cardinals’ bullpen or rotation could be a strategic pivot for both clubs as they chart their course toward postseason contention or future development.
