BREAKING: Cardinals Cut Ties With $75 Million Pitcher

The St. Louis Cardinals appeared poised for a rebuild at the trade deadline, with numerous rumors involving some of their top talent, including All-Stars Brendan Donovan, Nolan Arenado, and Sonny Gray.

However, both Arenado and Gray declined to waive their no-trade clauses, preventing any deals from happening. Still, the team may revisit trade discussions involving these players during the offseason.

According to a recent report from The Athletic’s Katie Woo, Sonny Gray will not be guaranteed a spot in the Cardinals’ starting rotation next season, despite having a no-trade clause.

 

“I’m not all that sure Sonny Gray is a lock to be in next year’s rotation. While Gray has always publicly said he likes St. Louis, and he previously denied considering waiving his no-trade clause, he and the Cardinals could have a change of heart this winter,” Woo wrote. “From a speculation standpoint, Gray is owed $35 million in 2026, the final season of his three-year deal (not including a $30 million club option for 2027).

“That is a lot of money to pay for one pitcher when the team isn’t exactly planning to be competitive next year. Gray might be inclined to at least peruse the trade market to see if there’s an opportunity with another team to pitch in meaningful ball games next year. Even if Gray stays with St. Louis, the Cardinals still have a rotation depth problem. It’s why Pallante continues to start, despite having a 1-6 record and 7.22 ERA in the second half. Tommy John surgeries for pitching prospects Tekoah Roby, Sem Robberse and Cooper Hjerpe definitely don’t help either.”

Trading Sonny Gray could be the ideal move for the Cardinals.

He’s entering the final year of his contract, and the team likely isn’t eager to pay out the remainder of his deal. Although Gray has previously declined to waive his no-trade clause, it’s becoming increasingly evident that he doesn’t factor into the Cardinals’ long-term plans. Given that reality, he might reconsider his stance in hopes of joining a contender and making a playoff push as a valuable trade asset.