The San Diego Padres already boast an intimidating rotation, but a recent mock trade elevates it even further.
Padres linked to Cardinals ace in trade projection
Matt Snyder of CBS Sports suggested that St. Louis Cardinals ace Sonny Gray would be an ideal trade target for the San Diego Padres to consider, as noted by Eva Geitheim of *San Diego Padres on SI*.
He is cut from the same cloth as Padres stars Dylan Cease & Michael King
Year after year, Gray proves himself as one of the top pitchers in the Majors, and last season was no exception. The 35-year-old delivered a strong performance for the Cardinals, finishing with a 13-9 record, a solid 3.84 ERA, and an impressive 1.088 WHIP—his lowest since 2019. Adding to his dominance, he racked up a scorching 203 strikeouts.
For the Padres, Gray’s talent would be a perfect fit. With ace Dylan Cease and All-MLB Second Team selection Michael King already anchoring the rotation with sub-4.00 ERAs and 200-plus strikeouts, Gray could slot in as an ideal No. 2 or No. 3 option. He might even emerge as the staff ace heading into 2025.
San Diego would need to consider Gray’s sizable salary
The Tennessee native is heading into the second year of his three-year, $75 million contract. He is set to earn $25 million in 2025, with a $30 million club option available for 2027. This puts San Diego in a position to decide whether prioritizing their rotation warrants moving one of their larger contracts.
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