Sonny Gray stinks. Trade 'em

[Carp4Cy]

7 IP 1 h 1r 8K at Dodger Stadium. We don't need that in our rotation next year or for his option in 2027.

[Jatalk]

7 IP 1 h 1r 8K at Dodger Stadium. We don't need that in our rotation next year or for his option in 2027.

I don’t think the trade talk had anything to do with his performance. He was possibly a valuable trade chip with a good to high return.

[sikeston bulldog2]

From 31 May till mid July, Gray was pitching in the mid to low 3’a in era. He recently had a rough three gane skid. Best outing since his complete game.

Makes a strong number two.

[sikeston bulldog2]

Cards are 16-6 in his starts. He is 10-5. 7 no decisions.

[RunSup]

From 31 May till mid July, Gray was pitching in the mid to low 3’a in era. He recently had a rough three gane skid. Best outing since his complete game.

Makes a strong number two.

Apparently he sweats so much in the heat it affects his grip. He had a bad July because of the heatwave?!

https://youtu.be/6r40reQa7Cc?si=W6lfNdtvhweWc4oz

His Julys have been brutal as a Cardinal. .567 and .573 SLG against in 2024 and 2025. Much better in other months.

[OldRed]

Cards are 16-6 in his starts. He is 10-5. 7 no decisions.

That's pretty decent. They need another couple of pitchers to pitch like that.

[sikeston bulldog2]

From 31 May till mid July, Gray was pitching in the mid to low 3’a in era. He recently had a rough three gane skid. Best outing since his complete game.

Makes a strong number two.

Apparently he sweats so much in the heat it affects his grip. He had a bad July because of the heatwave?!

https://youtu.be/6r40reQa7Cc?si=W6lfNdtvhweWc4oz

His Julys have been brutal as a Cardinal. .567 and .573 SLG against in 2024 and 2025. Much better in other months.

Now that’s what I’m talking about. Strategy. If he has trouble with heat, then maybe work him around a hot day game. Give him a night start. See if that helps.

I could go look at the game logs and see start times verse outcome.

[sikeston bulldog2]

Cards are 16-6 in his starts. He is 10-5. 7 no decisions.

That's pretty decent. They need another couple of pitchers to pitch like that.

Here’s my Sikeston math- if we get Pallante McG and Libby to throw just .500 ball, and Gray and a new Ace throw 15 games over, .500, then you have a start.

[rockondlouie]

Dewitt was aching to get rid of the 2026 salary, glad Sonny told him "No".

[JohnnyMO]

He doesn’t stink. He’s a 2 on a contender moving forward.

The question is what good does a number two do you for the next couple seasons if you don’t have a viable number one or three and your lineup isn’t up to snuff. If the Cardinals are going to add to the team and truly try to win next year then you want Gray around. If not, why not trade him for pieces that can help when you’re actually ready to contend?

[45s]

He doesn’t drink. He’s a 2 on a contender moving forward.

The question is what good does a number two do you for the next couple seasons if you don’t have a viable number one or three and your lineup isn’t up to snuff. If the Cardinals are going to add to the team and truly try to win next year then you want Gray around. If not, why not trade him for pieces that can help when you’re actually ready to contend?

take that reasonable thinking and get out of here....

[Gob]

Incredible selling point. He stinks!

[WaltsSuccessor]

Dewitt was aching to get rid of the 2026 salary, glad Sonny told him "No".

Sonny is owed $35m for next season plus at least a $5m buyout on his $30m team option for 2027. So guaranteed $40m left on his deal.

He clearly likes it here for whatever reason as he's politely declined to waive his NTC twice now. No reason to think that changes this off-season.

You know the Cardinals don't love that $35m salary next season. I'm wondering if the Cards approach him with an extension to tack on another year to spread out the AAV a bit. Something like $25m for 2026, $30m for 2027, and the same $5m buyout on a $30m team option for 2028. Guarantees him an extra $20m and potentially $45m if the option is exercised.

But if I'm Sonny, I tell the FO I'm only agreeing to that to help out the 2026 payroll AFTER they acquire (sign or trade) for another TOTR arm. I like Libby, Pallante, McGreevy, etc. But this team isn't going anywhere without another playoff caliber starter. Those guys have value as reliable back of the rotation arms to eat some innings and keep you competitive. They aren't enough to actually make this team good. Bring in another difference maker then Mathews or Doyle are icing on the cake if they push into the rotation. No reason for Sonny to do them any favors if they're just going to pocket the savings.

[45s]

Dewitt was aching to get rid of the 2026 salary, glad Sonny told him "No".

Sonny is owed $35m for next season plus at least a $5m buyout on his $30m team option for 2027. So guaranteed $40m left on his deal.

He clearly likes it here for whatever reason as he's politely declined to waive his NTC twice now. No reason to think that changes this off-season.

You know the Cardinals don't love that $35m salary next season. I'm wondering if the Cards approach him with an extension to tack on another year to spread out the AAV a bit. Something like $25m for 2026, $30m for 2027, and the same $5m buyout on a $30m team option for 2028. Guarantees him an extra $20m and potentially $45m if the option is exercised.

But if I'm Sonny, I tell the FO I'm only agreeing to that to help out the 2026 payroll AFTER they acquire (sign or trade) for another TOTR arm. I like Libby, Pallante, McGreevy, etc. But this team isn't going anywhere without another playoff caliber starter. Those guys have value as reliable back of the rotation arms to eat some innings and keep you competitive. They aren't enough to actually make this team good. Bring in another difference maker then Mathews or Doyle are icing on the cake if they push into the rotation. No reason for Sonny to do them any favors if they're just going to pocket the savings.

Nice idea…..but not going to happen

Sonny is about Sonny…..

And I don’t blame him….this is professional sports….

Why should he take a hit to cover for front office incompetence

and the last thing the club should is extend a 38 year old pitcher

[ggnoobs]

From 31 May till mid July, Gray was pitching in the mid to low 3’a in era. He recently had a rough three gane skid. Best outing since his complete game.

Makes a strong number two.

Apparently he sweats so much in the heat it affects his grip. He had a bad July because of the heatwave?!

https://youtu.be/6r40reQa7Cc?si=W6lfNdtvhweWc4oz

His Julys have been brutal as a Cardinal. .567 and .573 SLG against in 2024 and 2025. Much better in other months.

He must have really wanted to combat the "no grip" against the Dodgers, because the use of sticky stuff was really obvious. I've noticed from him more than other pitchers going to the back of the neck where there is some clear sticky stuff. Also an obvious patch of darker sticky on the top of the bill of his hat. I know all guys do it, but Gray doesn't seem to care to hide it very well.

[sdaltons]

7 IP 1 h 1r 8K at Dodger Stadium. We don't need that in our rotation next year or for his option in 2027.

What a dumb take. No one thought this.