The Cincinnati Reds had a disappointing 2024 season. After going 82-80 in 2023 and almost reaching the postseason, Cincinnati slipped to fourth place in the National League Central.
The team also finished the season with a 77-85 record. But they could be in for some big offseason moves after hiring new manager Terry Francona.
Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report predicted that they could trade for St. Louis Cardinals ace and former Reds’ pitcher Sonny Gray.
“It would be a reunion for the two sides, as Gray previously pitched for the Reds from 2019-21. Over that three-season span, Gray posted a 3.49 ERA, with his best season as a Red coming in 2019, when he was an All-Star and finished seventh in the NL Cy Young Award voting,” Kelly wrote. “Gray would rejoin a Reds team that already has Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo in the starting rotation, giving new manager Terry Francona an exciting group to work with.”
St. Louis is expected to take a step back in 2025, while the Reds should be all in on trying to build a contender. They have an exciting young core that is ready to take the next step.
Gray could serve as a veteran presence in their clubhouse as they try to bounce back into contention, while also anchoring a very young and strong starting rotation.
The future is bright in Cincinnati, and Gray is under contract for two more years. Plus, the Reds have several young pieces that they could send to St. Louis in return for Gray.
We’ll see if this deal ultimately takes place.
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