As the 2025 World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers draws to a close, attention is already turning toward what should be a busy MLB offseason — particularly for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Following yet another frustrating campaign, the Cardinals are set to take a new direction under Chaim Bloom, emphasizing long-term development over short-term success. One of the most significant decisions ahead could be moving on from veteran pitcher Sonny Gray.
Plenty of teams will need starting pitching this winter, and that includes the American League champion Blue Jays with Max Scherzer hitting free agency. Perhaps the Cardinals could find a trade partner north of the border.
Gray wrapped up the 2025 season with a 14–8 record and a 4.28 ERA across 32 starts, tallying 201 strikeouts in 180⅔ innings. Although he remains a reliable and productive starter, his career timeline no longer matches the Cardinals’ rebuilding trajectory, making a trade a logical and mutually beneficial move.
Dealing Gray would provide St. Louis with valuable salary relief and create openings for younger pitchers to compete for rotation roles in 2026. It would also grant Chaim Bloom greater financial flexibility to target affordable free agents or trade acquisitions aimed at stabilizing the pitching staff—while maintaining a clear emphasis on long-term player development.
For the Blue Jays, acquiring Gray could serve as the ideal final piece for a rotation designed to contend immediately. Toronto has shown plenty of aggression in recent offseasons, and adding a dependable veteran like Gray could strengthen their push for another American League crown — and potentially a World Series title in 2026.
Although parting with an ace of Gray’s caliber would be difficult for St. Louis, such a move aligns with Chaim Bloom’s long-term vision of rebuilding the roster and emphasizing sustainable success. With Gray holding a no-trade clause, he’ll have the final say in any potential move, but joining a contender like Toronto would likely be an appealing opportunity as he pursues another shot at a championship in the latter stages of his career.
The Cardinals are expected to be active this winter, with Bloom set to reshape the roster, clear payroll space, and set up the club for a new era of competitiveness. Trading Gray could mark the beginning of that transformation — and give fans a glimpse of how the team plans to rebuild for the future.
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