The Minnesota Twins have made it known that they intend to cut back on their payroll in 2024. This almost certainly takes them out of the running for Sonny Gray, who has entered free agency.
The veteran right-hander is one of several top starting pitchers who have hit the free agent market. He went 8-8 with a 2.79 ERA and will likely finish second in the AL Cy Young voting.
But with the Twins out of the running, there are several teams who could jump on the opportunity to sign him.
Here are three teams who could target Sonny Gray
3. St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals intend to add three starting pitchers from outside the organization. Bargain moves won't get the job done this time around.
Gray seems like a seamless fit with the Cardinals. He grew up in Smyrna, Tennessee, which isn't too far away from St. Louis, so he could be closer to home.
He also could potentially fit the mold of ace, which is something the Cardinals desperately need in order to bounce back into postseason contention in 2024.
Due to his age, Gray likely won't get a long-term deal, which puts him right in the Cardinals preferred price range.
He shouldn't be the only pitcher the Cardinals target and may not even be the best one they pick up. Either way, Gray provides a high strikeout rate and should be somebody on the Cardinals radar this coming winter.
It was the pitching that cost the Cardinals a chance at contention this year. They lacked a true No. 1 starter, and they paid the price for it, finishing with a record of 71-91 and securing their first losing season since 2007.
Gray could help the Cardinals pick up the pieces and contend again in 2024.
2. Philadelphia Phillies
In all likelihood, Aaron Nola will stay with the Phillies. But there is always a chance that he could depart in free agency.
In that case, Gray makes perfect sense for the Phils. According to Jon Morosi, the Phillies are showing interest in the 34-year-old right-hander and see him as a backup option should Nola depart.
Morosi also notes that Gray has a relationship with Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham, who were former teammates in college. They also spent time together with the Cincinnati Reds.
Gray would certainly be an ideal target if the Phillies are unable to retain Nola. He would slot in quite nicely next to Zack Wheeler and help keep the Phillies competitive for years to come.
The cost will be high, but the Phillies should have the resources to get it done.
Obviously, their first choice will be to keep Nola around, but Gray is certainly a solid fallback option if they are unable to keep their longtime right-hander.
The Phillies fell short against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLCS, losing the series in seven games to the eventual National League champions and failing to return to the World Series.
3. Atlanta Braves
The Braves are an interesting potential fit for Gray this offseason.
Beyond Max Fried, Spencer Strider, and Bryce Elder, there is a lot of uncertainty in their rotation.
Adding Gray would give them a very solid rotation and somebody that they know can take the ball for them every fifth day. A top four of Strider, Fried, Elder, and Gray would be a nightmare for any team to face, especially in the postseason.
But the Braves had a lot of injuries in their rotation this year. Fried missed considerable time, and Morton also finished the season on the injured list. Gray would give them certainty.
Atlanta had the best record in all of baseball this season, but they once again fell short against their NL East rivals in the Phillies in the NLDS.
The Braves are strong on the offensive side, but need a little bit of help in their rotation.
Gray will be highly sought after, but he certainly won't be the most expensive starter on the market, meaning that signing him for 2024 would be feasible for the six-time defending NL East champions.
When free agency picks up in the coming weeks, Gray may be one of the first pitchers off the board.