The St. Louis Cardinals are entering a transitional period and may ultimately look to rebuild after missing the postseason two consecutive years.
One piece they could potentially look to trade is right-hander Sonny Gray, who they signed to be their ace.
The veteran starter went 13-9 with a 3.84 ERA in his first season with St. Louis. But if the Cardinals are going to trade him, they could look to reunite him with his old team, the Minnesota Twins.
David Hill of Yardbarker listed Minnesota as a possible fit.
"Twins starters posted a 4.76 ERA over their 126 2/3 innings in September, 22nd in the majors," Hill wrote. "Gray spent two seasons in Minnesota, posting a 2.90 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in 303 2/3 innings between 2022 and 2023. A return to Minnesota could be just what Gray and the Twins need.
The Twins had control of the final American League Wild Card spot with a month to go in the season. However, they ultimately collapsed and finished in fourth place in the AL Central, missing the postseason.
Minnesota's starting rotation played a key role in their epic slide, and they even were without right-hander Joe Ryan, who suffered a Grade 2 teres major strain in his right shoulder.
Minnesota could use an ace to go alongside Pablo Lopez in 2025 if they hope to reach the postseason again.
Gray could give them the boost they need to bounce back after a disastrous September. We'll see if they target him this winter.
They'll have to give the Cardinals some solid prospects in return.
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