Sonny Gray Linked to Atlanta Braves Once Again — Veteran Arm Could Fill the Void Left by Morton and Fried.vc
ATLANTA —
As offseason chatter heats up, one familiar name has re-emerged on the Atlanta Braves’ radar: Sonny Gray. The three-time All-Star and St. Louis Cardinals ace could become one of the most intriguing trade chips of the winter — and once again, Atlanta appears to be a potential landing spot.
According to MLB Trade Rumors’ Nick Deeds, the Braves are seen as a logical fit due to their ongoing need for durable, veteran starting pitching — and because of prior interest dating back to last offseason.
“The Braves are one of the top suitors for free agent Sonny Gray,” MLB insider Jon Morosi reported in November 2023. “Atlanta had spoken with Aaron Nola’s camp before Nola returned to the Phillies.”
That initial pursuit never materialized into a deal. But now, with the Braves facing another offseason of rotation uncertainty, Gray’s name has resurfaced in the discussion.
The Case for Gray
Gray’s 2025 season wasn’t his most dominant — he posted a 4.28 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 180 2/3 innings over 32 starts — but what he lacked in flash, he made up for in dependability. In a year where Atlanta’s rotation was riddled with injuries, that reliability alone could make him invaluable.
The Charlie Morton comparisons are impossible to ignore. Morton became a stabilizing force during Atlanta’s 2021 championship run, and insiders believe Gray could serve a similar purpose.
“Seeing some Sonny Gray chatter,” Braves insider Ryan Cothran posted in late September. “This feels like Charlie Morton all over again — and I would definitely be down for that.”
The Contract Complication
Gray’s situation, however, isn’t without obstacles. The 36-year-old is owed $35 million for 2026, with a club option worth $30 million. For Atlanta, whose payroll already sits among MLB’s highest, acquiring Gray would likely require salary retention from the Cardinals to make the numbers work.
If a deal were to happen, it would almost certainly be structured as a short-term addition, minimizing long-term financial risk. Gray’s $5 million buyout gives Atlanta flexibility to treat it as a one-year investment — a bridge move that could buy time for younger arms to develop.
A Veteran Presence Atlanta Needs
Last season exposed a glaring gap in the Braves’ rotation: no reliable veteran behind Spencer Strider and Chris Sale. With Morton’s retirement and Max Fried’s future uncertain, adding a seasoned pitcher like Gray could restore balance and leadership.
His track record — over 1,600 career innings, two All-Star seasons in the past five years, and a reputation for consistency — fits the Braves’ mold: experienced, adaptable, and mentally tough.
Looking Ahead
While there’s no confirmed trade discussion yet between the Braves and Cardinals, industry chatter suggests mutual logic. Atlanta needs innings and stability; St. Louis might seek salary relief and future assets.
If a deal materializes, Gray would join a rotation that could feature Strider, Sale, Reynaldo López, and possibly one new arm from free agency.
Starting pitching remains priority number one for general manager Alex Anthopoulos, with middle infield and DH upgrades following closely behind.
And if history is any indication, when the Braves see a veteran who fits their formula — they rarely hesitate.
