Sonny Gray Traded to New Team Amidst Cardinals' Veteran Moves

The St. Louis Cardinals made a significant roster move by trading veteran pitcher Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox, along with $20 million, in exchange for pitchers Richard Fitts and Brandon Clarke, and either cash or a player to be named later.

This trade marks another chapter in Gray's career, as he continues to change teams every few years, having previously signed a three-year, $75 million contract with the Cardinals before the 2024 season.

Gray's performance has been a mixed bag, having posted a 4.28 ERA in 2025, his worst since 2018, but he also improved his strikeout rate to 28.4% and reduced his walk rate to 5.4% during his two seasons with St.

Louis, making him a reliable option in the Red Sox rotation. According to FanGraphs, Gray's contract situation was complex, involving a backloaded arrangement that left him with $35 million owed in 2026, which the Cardinals helped restructure by covering part of his salary.

This strategic move by the Cardinals, under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, signals a clear intent to focus on rebuilding and player development rather than immediate contention. The Red Sox, coming off a playoff appearance in 2025, are looking to strengthen their rotation with a pitcher like Gray, who, despite his age, can still contribute effectively.

In return, the Cardinals acquired Fitts and Clarke, who represent potential future assets for the team. Fitts has shown mixed results in his brief MLB career with a 3.97 ERA, and while he has a mid-90s fastball, he struggled with his slider in 2025, making him a project for the Cardinals.

The more intriguing piece is Clarke, known for his impressive arm strength and potential to develop into a high-leverage reliever despite a history of injuries. Clarke’s delivery is noted for its deceptive nature and could make him a valuable asset if he can overcome his command issues.

Additionally, there's ongoing trade interest in another Cardinals pitcher, JoJo Romero, who has established himself as a strong reliever with a 2.07 ERA in 2025 and is projected to be an affordable option for teams in need of bullpen help.

With Romero potentially on the trade block, the Cardinals are poised to continue reshaping their roster in line with their long-term rebuilding strategy. The impact of these trades will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, as the Cardinals aim to return to competitiveness in the coming seasons.