Former Reds All-Star traded to Red Sox as NL Central rival begins roster teardown

Depsite numerous connections over the past few off-seasons, the Cincinnati Reds were never really thought to be in the market for Sonny Gray's services this offseason. The former Reds All-Star, however, revealed a willingness to waive his no-trade clause this winter, and the St. Louis Cardinals obliged. Gray was traded to the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, a sign that St. Louis is entering a rebuild.

To complete the trade, the Red Sox will receive $20 million in cash considerations and are sending pitchers Richards Fitts and Brandon Clarke to the Cardinals. Clarke was one of Boston's top-5 prospects heading into the offseason.

As part of the deal, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is reporting that Gray's contract has been re-worked. The veteran right-hander was entering the final year of a three-year, $75 million pact with the Cardinals, and was set to earn $35 million in 2026. Gray will now take home what amounts to $41 million after adjustments were made to his base salary and mutual-option for the 2027 season.

Former Reds All-Star Sonny Gray traded from the Cardinals to the Red Sox

Gray went 14-8 last season with St. Louis and owned a less-than-stellar 4.28 ERA. The right-hander still logged 180 innings over 32 starts; a continued display of his durability. Gray's surpassed 135 innings pitched in four of the past five seasons.

This isn't the first time Gray's been traded during his career. In fact, the righty landed in Cincinnati prior to the 2019 season after flopping with the New York Yankees in 2018. Gray posted three solid seasons in the Queen City before being shipped to the Minnesota Twins in 2022. Gray almost reunited with the Reds in 2024, but chose the Cardinals instead.

Expect new Cardinals' President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom to continue the roster teardown in St. Louis. With Gray now off the board, look for the Cardinals to jettison Gold Glove Award-winner Nolan Arenado and catcher/ first baseman Willson Contreras.