Former Reds All-Star clears path for reunion by waiving no trade clause

The Cincinnati Reds have something substantial to build upon in 2026 and beyond, but will have to ensure that they keep their pitching staff stabilized this winter despite the expected losses of Nick Martinez and Zack Littell in free agency.

Fortunately for the Reds, a veteran arm they’ve been targeting for a while might become more available than assumed this winter.

Whenever St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray has been mentioned in trade buzz recently, there’s always an elephant-sized asterisk involved — that being his full no-trade clause.

Reds might be faced with a real chance to bring back Sonny Gray

However, new comments from Gray indicate that he might be on the verge of waiving that clause this offseason. When asked on Wednesday by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch whether or not he needs to consider waiving his no-trade clause following the current season, Gray responded in the affirmative.

“I think I do (need to consider it), just to be frank and to be honest,” Gray said, per Goold. “I definitely think I do. Whether I do decide that I want to go somewhere – whether that actually happens – I don’t have complete control of that. Obviously, I have control of where I can’t go or don’t go. I’m going to be 36. It’s going to be my 14th season. Last year of my contract for this. I don’t know what the future holds for me.”

Gray’s new stance on his clause is nothing but positive news for the Reds, whose interest in Gray has been ongoing. It also has to be a favorable development for St. Louis’ front office, which would likely love to get out of Gray’s contract amid a rebuild.

MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reported in July that Cincinnati might be interested in a reunion with Gray, who spent four years in Cincinnati before being dealt to the Minnesota Twins before the 2022 season. However, Sheldon acknowledged some barriers to a trade, the biggest being his salary — $35 million in 2026 with a $30 million club option for 2027 ($5 million buyout). The Cardinals would definitely have to take on some cash for a trade to happen this offseason.

Cincinnati’s desire to reunite with Gray has been there since at least the 2023-24 offseason, as the Reds were reportedly attempting a reunion before the Cardinals swooped in and signed him. 

Gray’s prior Reds tenure began in January of 2019, when he was traded to Cincinnati from the New York Yankees. He went 11-8 with a 2.87 and 205 strikeouts in his first season with the Reds — an immediate success. Gray regressed in 2021, however, going 7-9 with a 4.19 ERA, and Cincinnati traded him to Minnesota that offseason.

Could Gray end up back in Cincinnati in a few months? Time will tell. With the Reds poised to be closer to contention in 2026 than the Cardinals, Gray might welcome the change of scenery.

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