Yankees Receive Tough Update on $75 Million Starter Following Latest Trade Forecast
As the MLB trade deadline nears, the St. Louis Cardinals have become a team to monitor closely—especially for the New York Yankees, who are rumored to be eyeing Cardinals veterans like Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray.
St. Louis, however, is just one game out of first in the NL Central. Unless the Cubs maintain their early-season pace, the division remains within reach for the Cardinals—making them less likely to sell at the deadline.
Still, Joe McFly of TalkinYanks recently made a bold prediction:
“The Yankees will trade for Sonny Gray.”
Is Gray a Fit for New York?
Newsweek noted that if the Yankees feel Gray is worth the financial and prospect cost, he could be a strong addition. Gray, who signed a 3-year, $75 million deal in 2023, is owed $25 million this season, $35 million in 2026, and has a $30 million club option for 2027.
“He’s the type of reliable arm New York could rely on in October,” wrote Peter Chawaga.
Challenges Ahead for a Gray Reunion
ESPN’s Buster Olney pointed out that acquiring Gray may not be straightforward. Not only is his contract heavily backloaded, but his previous stint in New York didn’t go wellhe posted a 4.90 ERA in 2018.
Olney also mentioned that Erick Fedde (3.86 ERA this season) could be another Cardinals pitcher drawing interest, and noted that given the Cardinals’ recent surge and this being John Mozeliak’s final year leading the front office, they might opt not to trade away key players after all.
Bottom Line:
The Yankees may want Gray, but his price tag—both in salary and trade assets—along with St. Louis’ potential playoff push, could put a deal out of reach.
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