"The Cardinals are entering what could be a multi-year rebuilding period where they focus more on strengthening their farm system and player development apparatus than winning games at the major league level. That's a pivot that started last winter, but a number of key veteran players with no-trade clauses wanted to stick with the organization for the 2025 season and try to win in St. Louis."
"That's good company to keep, considering that all five of those players well might end up as finalists for their respective league's Cy Young award this year, and should help to assuage concerns about Gray's ability to compete at a high level in his mid-30s. Few pitchers have a recent track record more impressive than the veteran right-hander, all things considered."
"In 116 starts since the beginning of the 2022 season, Gray has a 3.53 ERA, a 26.6% strikeout rate, and a 3.17 FIP in 650 2/3 innings of work. It's the sort of production that virtually any team could use in their rotation, but there are complicating factors in considering a trade for Gray."
The Cardinals are entering a potential multi-year rebuild that will prioritize strengthening the farm system and player development over winning at the major league level. Several veteran players with full no-trade clauses initially preferred to remain for the 2025 season but are becoming more open to trade possibilities after a 78-84 finish. Chaim Bloom has officially taken over the baseball operations role previously held by John Mozeliak. Right-hander Gray posted a 4.28 ERA across 32 starts but showed stronger peripherals, including a 26.7% strikeout rate, a 5.0% walk rate, and a 3.29 SIERA. In 116 starts since 2022 Gray owns a 3.53 ERA and 3.17 FIP in 650 2/3 innings.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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