The St. Louis Cardinals currently face more uncertainty than clarity.
With Chaim Bloom taking over as president of baseball operations after John Mozeliak’s long tenure, new questions naturally arise. What’s Bloom’s vision for the roster? How much support will ownership provide financially? Which players will return? The concerns are numerous. Combined with the fact that the Cardinals missed the playoffs for a third consecutive year in 2025 and saw attendance decline by more than 600,000, it’s evident that significant changes are necessary.
Bloom was quickly questioned about the possibility of trading veteran players, with names like Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray coming up. He admitted that there “may be a better fit somewhere else” for Arenado but suggested there could still be a future in St. Louis for Gray. Both players carry sizable contracts, and with the team appearing to enter a rebuild, shedding payroll wouldn’t be a bad move. Interestingly, Jim Bowden reveal the 10 players “most likely” to be traded this offseason, placing Gray at No. 7 and mentioning the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles as potential destinations.
“No. 7. Sonny Gray, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals,” Bowden said. “Chaim Bloom has taken over as the head of baseball operations for the Cardinals, and he’s already talked to Gray about waiving his no-trade clause. Gray has indicated to Bloom he would consider doing so for the right contending team. Gray, 35, is entering his 14th season in the big leagues, but he’s still effective. His 2025 FIP (3.39) was nearly a run lower than his ERA (4.28).
The Cardinals should look to make a move
“He also led the league in K/BB (5.29) and crossed the 200-strikeout threshold for the second straight year. He finished in the 66th percentile in overall pitching run value and the 97th percentile in breaking run value, thanks to his curveball that opponents hit .215 against and his sweeper that they hit only .150 against. Gray is signed for two more seasons, so teams such as the Mets and Orioles, who like shorter-term commitments to starting pitchers, would be great trade fits.”
Trading Sonny Gray would certainly weaken the Cardinals’ rotation, but it might make financial sense in the long run. Gray signed a three-year, $75 million contract and is set to earn a hefty $35 million in 2026. Given the team’s current direction and the likelihood that they won’t be contenders next season, moving that contract could free up valuable payroll space. That money could then be redirected toward more sustainable investments—such as locking up young talent like Masyn Winn with a long-term extension.
Gray has been an excellent addition and a reliable presence for St. Louis, but considering the uncertainty surrounding the roster and the organization’s future, now may be the right time to explore a trade.
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