Multiple media reports today said the Cardinals have reached an agreement on a three-year contract with free agent pitcher Sonny Gray. The deal is worth a reported $75 million but has not been announced by the team as of this writing. The deal was first reported as close by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Others including Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic also reported the deal is done. The Cardinals released it later in the day and introduced Gray at a press conference. (Scroll down to hear it)
With this signing the Cardinals have added a third veteran starter to their rotation, following up on their stated goal of improving their rotation for 2024.
The signing of Gray follows the addition last week of free agents Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson. This move will require the Cardinals to give up their second round pick in next year’s amateur draft as compensation.
The average age of the five projected starters — Sonny Gray – 34, Lynn- 36, Gibson- 36, Mikes Mikolas – 35, Steven Matz – 32.– is 35.
The Cardinals had been linked to Gray, who finished second in the American League Cy Young race, this season; since the free-agency period began.
He makes his off season home in Tennessee and reportedly the Cardinals and the Braves were the teams pursuing him the hardest.
Audio from Press Conference:
Part 1
Part 2
