Braves Rumors: Sonny Gray makes a surprising amount of sense for Atlanta

Sonny Gray rebuilt his career in Minnesota, but at 34 years old, his ultimate goal is to win a World Series at this point. Gray could arguably do that with the Twins -- they made the ALDS this season after winning the AL Central. Residing in the worst division in baseball has its perks.

However, with Gray a free agent this season, expect the veteran righty to shop himself around some. Gray has insisted money is not his top priority, which is exactly what Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves want to hear this offseason.

"We want to go to a place where you feel wanted," said Gray, per The Athletic's Dan Hayes. "I don't know if this is the right thing to say before going to become a free agent, but I'll say it because it's honest. Money is not the ultimate factor for me. Never has been. Having said that, you want to be valued appropriately. … There are a lot of factors that go into those decisions. It's not only me making it. As anyone who's known me throughout the course of this year and last year, there are a lot of other things that go into it, my wife and my kids a big part of it. But I do love it here."

Gray loves Minneapolis. There is nothing pulling him in a different direction. Yet, with Kyle Wright out for the 2024 season and Charlie Morton's future up in the air, Gray could be a frontline starter in Atlanta's rotation, and join the winningest team in the sport in the process.

Braves Rumors: How much will Atlanta spend this offseason?

The Braves have just $131 million committed to long-term deals beyond next season. Their spending in the 2023 campaign was around $203 million. With arbitration deals and a potential club option from Charlie Morton, Atlanta's payroll comes in around $200 million. It's fair to expect a contending team like the Braves to spend a bit of money this offseason. A fair assumption would be anywhere in the $25 million range, barring the unexpected big move.

A pitcher like Gray, for example, could be signed for about that much on a three-to-four year deal. Or, perhaps the Braves could upgrade their bullpen, which ought to be a priority for them this winter, as I wrote last week:

"Nonetheless, Atlanta plans on revamping its bullpen this winter. Now, that's not necessarily bad news. Every contending team seeks bullpen additions in the average offseason. It can play a major role in an eventual World Series run...As Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution notes, only two bullpens in MLB threw less pitchers over 96 MPH than the Braves. They lack the necessary firepower to make a difference late in games, even though the overall numbers don't showcase a bullpen in trouble."

If the answer is one or the other, that's likely not what Braves fans want to hear. Preferably, Atlanta finds a way to address both of those concerns.

Could the Braves lose Ron Washington?

Ron Washington has been with the Braves since the 2017 season as their third-base coach. He has long been relied upon by Brian Snitker as a right-hand man of sorts. Washington has plenty of managerial success, having led the Texas Rangers to two American League pennants from 2007-14. Could his name come up in possible openings across the league, of which there are now four?

As Austin Owens of The House That Hank Built suggests, if Washington wants another chance to manage, now is the time.

Players are held accountable by Ron Washington and he will let them know if they are not working like they should. Such a stern approach to many may seem a little over the top but Washington does this in such a respectable way it builds a positive relationship between him and the players. Ozzie Albies is a prime example...At the age of 71, if Washington is considering calling the shots for an MLB team again, now may be the time. The Los Angeles Angels, San Fransisco Giants, Cleveland Guardians, and New York Mets are all looking for a skipper."

Washington is a veteran voice in the clubhouse and a players manager at that. He is respected across baseball, and could receive a fresh start that appreciates such an approach. Look for his name to at least be mentioned in the next few weeks.