The New York Mets will begin the season without pitchers Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea, which is a tough blow to their starting rotation. Losing two key arms at the top of the rotation is not an ideal way to start the year.
Under owner Steve Cohen, the Mets have consistently been willing to spend big to acquire star talent. FanSided’s Zach Pressnell suggested a trade that would bring Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals to New York:
Mets receive: RHP Sonny Gray
Cardinals receive: RHP Nolan McLean (Mets’ No. 5 prospect) and OF Drew Gilbert (Mets’ No. 11 prospect)
Pressnell noted that St. Louis could be an ideal trade partner for the Mets, as the Cardinals are reportedly looking to reshape their roster, making Gray a potential trade candidate.
Gray has been a top-tier pitcher in recent years, so acquiring him wouldn’t come cheap. However, the cost would still be lower than trading for other top arms like Sandy Alcántara or Dylan Cease.
Although giving up two top-30 prospects is a steep price, the Mets would be securing a proven ace to lead their rotation. Gray, a three-time All-Star, signed a three-year, $75 million contract in 2024. He posted a 3.84 ERA last season, but in 2022, he had an impressive 2.79 ERA across 32 starts. Over his last 84 starts, he owns a solid 3.24 ERA.
Pressnell emphasized that this trade would benefit both sides: “The Mets would land the starter they need while keeping all the prospects who have a clear path to the majors, while St. Louis would shed salary and bring in two highly talented prospects to replace Gray.”
Gray is under contract for two more seasons, with a $30 million club option for 2027. If the Mets acquired him, their rotation—when fully healthy—would include Gray, Manaea, Montas, Clay Holmes, and Kodai Senga.
Be the first to comment