Reds-Sonny Gray reunion hits snag after Cardinals' starter reveals curious preference

There's very real chatter about a potential reunion between the Cincinnati Reds and former starting pitcher Sonny Gray. Shortly after the 2024 season ended, rumors began to swirl about Gray and other St. Louis Cardinals being traded this offseason.

The Cardinals are undergoing a shift in philosophy. President of baseball operations John Mozeliak is stepping down after this season and ceding control to former Boston Red Sox's chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom. St. Louis is hoping to shed some payroll this offseason, and dumping Gray's $25 million salary would certainly help in that endeavor.

It's being reported, however, that the right-hander would prefer to remain in St. Louis. According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post Dispatch, both Gray and Willson Contreras have voiced their desire to remain with the Cardinals organization.

Reds-Sonny Gray reunion hits snag after Cardinals' starter reveals curious preference

It's rather odd that Gray would prefer to stay with the Cardinals given their plans moving forward, but there's little St. Louis can do if the two-time All-Star has his mind made up. Gray's contract contains a full no-trade clause, meaning that he can essentially dictate where he'd like to be traded, if at all.

Gray signed a three-year pact with the Cardinals last offseason, but the deal is heavily backloaded. Gray earned $10 million in 2024, but is due $25 million in 2025 and a whooping $35 million in 2026. The veteran's deal also contains a $30 million club option for 2027 with a $5 million buyout.

If the Reds are truly interested in trading for Gray, his latest stance will make a reunion rather difficult. Cincinnati is said to be targeting a starting pitcher this offseason, though after extending a qualifying offer to Nick Martinez, their pursuit for a veteran starter could be on hold for the moment. It's unlikely that Cincinnati would be willing to take on Gray's massive contract if Martinez accepts the qualifying offer and the $21 million salary that comes with it.

Gray's inclination to stay in St. Louis could always change as the offseason unfolds, but at the moment, reuniting with the Reds and his former college coach Derek Johnson seems unlikely.

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