The Cincinnati Reds took several steps back in 2024 after finishing last season just two games out in the National League Wild Card race.
The team went 77-85 and fell to fourth place in the NL Central.
This offseason, they could certainly use some help with their starting rotation, and if they want a top-level arm, they could potentially reunite with Sonny Gray.
The St. Louis Cardinals may ultimately shop their ace as part of what could be a rebuilding period.
"The Reds have a likely disadvantage when it comes to trading for Gray as divisional foes. However, the Reds need to do something to take advantage of their young core," David Hill of Yardbarker wrote. "Adding Gray to a rotation with burgeoning star Hunter Greene and promising pitcher Rhett Lowder would be a step in the right direction.
Gray pitched three seasons in Cincinnati before being shipped off to the Minnesota Twins. The Reds acquired him from the New York Yankees prior to the 2019 season and he was traded to Minnesota in 2022.
But he certainly helped bolster the Reds rotation and even gave them a chance to contend in 2020 and 2021. A rotation with Greene and Gray at the top would give them a shot to contend next season as well.
Gray is a veteran innings eater and somebody who brings swing-and-miss capability to a rotation. The Reds are going to need that if they want to bounce back into contention in 2025.
Despite a down season, the future still looks bright for the Reds, who have plenty of young stars in their mix. Supplementing their young core with some veterans could give them the push they need for next year.
Of course, as division rivals of the Cardinals, it may be hard for the Reds to pull something like this off. They would have to offer the Cardinals a significant package of prospects.
More MLB: Cardinals GM doesn't anticipate full rebuild after disappointing 2024
