Reds Rumors: Cincy expected to aggressively pursue trade for former Cy Young finalist

An old friend could be on his way back to Cincinnati. The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly shopping Sonny Gray this offseason. The 2023 AL Cy Young Award finalist signed a three-year, $75 million contract with the Cardinals this past offseason, though the Cincinnati Reds were said to be in the mix as well.

Gray went 13-9 with a 3.84 ERA in 28 starts for the Cardinals this past season. Since 2021, Gray has posted a 3.45 ERA while averaging 28 starts per season and has 658 strikeouts over 605.1 innings pitched. If the Cards are looking to trade Gray this offseason, there's sure to be no shortage of takers.

And if you're to believe the latest Reds rumors, Cincinnati will be one of the teams who'll be aggressively pursuing Gray this offseason. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, St. Louis is attempting to reduce payroll next season, and trading Gray could help them accomplish such a task.

Reds Rumors: Cincinnati is expected to aggressively pursue Sonny Gray in trade with the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason

Gray spent three years with the Reds earlier in his career after he was traded to Cincinnati prior to the start of the 2019 season. The Reds sent minor league prospect Shed Long and a draft pick to the New York Yankees in exchange for the right-hander. Gray quickly formed a terrific 1-2 punch alongside Luis Castillo and went to the All-Star Game in 2019.

After the 2021 season, the Reds chose to go in a different direction and officially began their rebuild. Gray was shipped to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for pitching prospect Chase Petty. Gray spent two years with the Twins and finished second behind Gerrit Cole in the race for last year's AL Cy Young Award. Gray became a free agent this past winter and signed a deal with the Cardinals.

Gray's $75 million contract, however, is not balanced. The right-hander took home $10 million this past season and is scheduled to earn $25 million in 2025 with the final guaranteed year of Gray's three-year pact set to pay him $35 million.

That's a hefty pay day, and may be too rich for the Reds' blood. However, if the Cardinals are looking to shed payroll, perhaps the prospect capital necessary to secure Gray's services would be rather light. St. Louis could always include cash as part of the deal as well in order to entice Cincinnati to make the trade.

Gray's contract contains a full no-trade clause, meaning the three-time All-Star can essentially name his destination. Seeing as how the Reds and Gray almost came to terms on contract last offseason, there's bound to be some interest in a reunion. If the contractual details can get ironed out, don't be shocked to see these latest Reds rumors become a reality.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors